Lon protease

Lon protease (rLon) is a recombinant bacterial protease derived from uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), currently in preclinical development by Linnane Pharma in partnership with Hamlet Pharma and SelectImmune Pharma. It acts as a bacterial effector molecule targeting the c-MYC oncoprotein, which is frequently dysregulated in human cancers and has historically been considered 'undruggable.' The protease utilizes a dual mechanism of action: its N-terminal domain prevents the dimerization of MYC with its partner MAX, while its peptidase domain directly degrades the c-MYC protein. Preclinical studies in mouse models have shown that intravesical or oral administration of Lon protease can delay tumor progression and increase survival in MYC-dependent bladder and colon cancers.

Other names

Bacterial Proteasec-MYC inhibitorbacterial effector molecule