GEM144

GEM144 is a novel hybrid small molecule therapeutic candidate designed as a dual inhibitor of DNA polymerase-alpha (POLA1) and histone deacetylase 11 (HDAC11). Developed through a collaboration involving Biogem, Saint Mary’s College, and the American University of Beirut, GEM144 is being investigated for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). The molecule integrates moieties targeting both POLA1, which is essential for DNA replication, and HDAC11, an epigenetic regulator involved in cancer cell survival and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Preclinical studies presented at AACR 2026 demonstrated that GEM144 induces apoptosis (evidenced by Bax upregulation), suppresses EMT (evidenced by E-cadherin upregulation), and reduces tumor burden in HCT116 xenograft mouse models while sparing normal-like colon cells.