Table of Contents
- What is Ompenaclid?
- Target Condition: Advanced or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
- How Ompenaclid Works
- Clinical Trial Details
- Eligibility Criteria
- Potential Benefits
- Safety Considerations
What is Ompenaclid?
Ompenaclid, also known as RGX-202, is a new medication being studied for the treatment of advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer[1]. It is a small molecule inhibitor that targets a specific protein in the body called the creatine transporter, SLC6a8[1]. This means that ompenaclid works by blocking the action of this protein, which may help to slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Target Condition: Advanced or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Ompenaclid is being developed to treat advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer that has become resistant to current treatments[1]. Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the colon or rectum. When it’s described as “advanced” or “metastatic,” it means the cancer has spread beyond its original location to other parts of the body.
This type of cancer, especially when it’s resistant to existing treatments, is a serious health concern worldwide. Researchers are particularly interested in developing new treatments for colorectal cancers with RAS mutations, which are genetic changes that can make the cancer more aggressive and harder to treat[1].
How Ompenaclid Works
Ompenaclid is designed to work differently from existing cancer treatments. By inhibiting the creatine transporter (SLC6a8), it may interfere with the energy metabolism of cancer cells. This could potentially slow down or stop the growth of tumors, especially in cancers that have become resistant to other treatments[1].
Clinical Trial Details
A clinical trial is currently underway to test the effectiveness and safety of ompenaclid[1]. Here are some key details about the trial:
- It’s a Phase 2 study, which means it’s testing how well the drug works and looking more closely at its side effects.
- The study is randomized, meaning participants are randomly assigned to either receive ompenaclid or a placebo (a substance that looks like the drug but has no active ingredients).
- It’s also double-blind, which means neither the patients nor the doctors know who is receiving ompenaclid and who is receiving the placebo. This helps ensure the results are not biased.
- All participants will receive a combination of treatments including:
- FOLFIRI: A combination of cancer drugs (folinic acid, fluorouracil, and irinotecan)
- Bevacizumab: A targeted therapy that helps stop the growth of blood vessels that feed tumors
- Either ompenaclid or a placebo
Eligibility Criteria
To participate in this study, patients must meet certain criteria[1]. Some key eligibility factors include:
- Having advanced colorectal cancer that has spread or cannot be removed surgically
- Having a specific genetic mutation called RAS in their cancer cells
- Having received only one previous treatment for advanced colorectal cancer
- Being at least 18 years old
- Having adequate organ function and overall health status
There are also several factors that would exclude a person from participating, such as certain other medical conditions or treatments that could interfere with the study results or pose additional risks.
Potential Benefits
The main goal of this study is to see if adding ompenaclid to the standard treatment (FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab) can improve outcomes for patients with advanced colorectal cancer[1]. Researchers will be looking at several factors, including:
- Overall response rate (ORR): How many patients see their tumors shrink or disappear
- Progression-free survival (PFS): How long patients live without their cancer getting worse
- Overall survival (OS): How long patients live overall
- Duration of response (DoR): How long any improvements last
- Disease control rate (DCR): How many patients have their disease stabilize or improve
Safety Considerations
As with any new treatment, safety is a crucial concern. The study will closely monitor patients for any side effects or adverse events[1]. This will include regular check-ups, blood tests, and other assessments to ensure patient safety throughout the trial.
It’s important to note that because ompenaclid is still in the testing phase, not all of its potential side effects may be known. Patients considering participating in this or any clinical trial should discuss the potential risks and benefits thoroughly with their healthcare provider.



