SBP-7455

SBP-7455 is a potent and selective small molecule inhibitor of Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1), a key protein kinase involved in the initiation of the autophagy pathway. Developed by the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, SBP-7455 is being investigated for its ability to sensitize resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells to venetoclax treatment. By inhibiting ULK1, the compound blocks the autophagic flux that leukemia cells utilize as a survival mechanism under stress, such as BCL-2 inhibition. Preclinical data indicates that SBP-7455 synergizes with venetoclax to induce significant apoptosis in resistant AML cell lines and patient-derived CD34+ cells, while demonstrating a favorable safety profile in normal bone marrow cells.