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our pipeline

Prostate Cancer

At HBC Immunology, our pipeline is built on the foundation of AI-optimized peptide therapeutics designed to overcome treatment resistance by restoring the tumor micro-environment. With a focus on prostate cancer (PC) and ovarian cancer, we are addressing the inevitable failure of frontline treatments, targeting root causes of resistance, and driving better outcomes for patients worldwide.
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WHY PROSTATE CANCER?

Understanding the Challenge

Prostate cancer remains one of the most significant global health challenges, with approximately 1.4 million new diagnoses and 375,000 deaths annually worldwide. In the United States alone, projections for 2023 estimate 288,000 new cases and 34,700 deaths, with more than 50% of the increased incidence attributed to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Why Prostate Cancer First?
Prostate cancer is not only a leading cause of cancer-related deaths but also a prime example of how iron metabolism dysregulation undermines treatment efficacy. By addressing this root cause, we aim to restore the effectiveness of existing therapies and improve patient outcomes in treatment-sensitive and treatment-resistant cases.

WHY PROSTATE CANCER?

The Role of Iron Metabolism in PC Treatment Resistance:

  • Iron Dysregulation: Disruption in iron metabolism is a key driver of resistance in androgen receptor (AR)-dependent therapies for prostate cancer.
  • Tumor Growth & Spread: Dysregulated iron pathways increase free cellular iron and accelerate tumor progression which contributes to poorer prognosis.
  • Chemotherapy Resistance: PC cells exhibit increased cellular free iron levels, which enhance tumor resistance to chemotherapy.
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Our lead candidate

FT-002a

FT-002a is our lead investigational drug, an AI-optimized peptide designed to normalize tumor iron dysregulation and reverse AR-resistance mechanisms in prostate cancer cells of patients. With pre-clinical efficacy validated, we are currently advancing bioavailability and toxicity studies, aiming for an IND submission in Q4/2025.

Preclinical Development Completed:

Oral peptide drug formulation (FT-002a-O) successfully developed to restore chemotherapy efficacy in AR-resistant mCRPC.

 MOA and Efficacy Proven:

FT-002a has demonstrated normalized iron metabolism and restored the efficacy of enzalutamide in preclinical IP xenograft studies.

 Oral Formulation Success:

Our novel oral formulation, FT-002a-O, has shown excellent results in AR-resistant human cell xenograft models, reducing tumor volume & weight outcomes versus enzalutamide solo treatment.

Contact us to learn more.