IMB101

IMB101 is a preclinical small molecule inhibitor being developed by ImCare Biotech for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other cancers. The compound targets Serine Protease Inhibitor Kazal (SPIK), a protein that is frequently overexpressed in HCC and known to interfere with the immune system's ability to eliminate malignant cells. SPIK functions by suppressing Granzyme A (GzmA), a cytolytic enzyme secreted by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells during immune surveillance. By inhibiting SPIK, IMB101 aims to restore the natural SPIK/GzmA pathway, thereby enhancing the immune system's ability to identify and kill oncogenic cells. Identified through high-throughput screening, IMB101 has demonstrated potent inhibitory activity in vitro with an IC50 of approximately 1 µM.