YK-2168

YK-2168 is a small molecule inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9) currently under development by Nanjing Yoko Pharmaceutical Group. CDK9 is a critical component of the positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) complex, which regulates the transition of RNA polymerase II from initiation to productive elongation. By selectively inhibiting CDK9, YK-2168 disrupts the transcription of short-lived anti-apoptotic proteins (such as Mcl-1) and oncogenic transcription factors (such as c-Myc), leading to the induction of apoptosis in cancer cells. The drug is being investigated in Phase 1 clinical trials for patients with advanced malignant solid neoplasms who have failed standard therapies.