Development of renin/ prorenin receptor blockers (RERBs) - targeting pathways critical to cancer and end-organ damage

The human renin/ prorenin receptor (RER) is a promising novel oncological and cardiovascular drug target. As unique, pathophysiological nodal point the RER  mediates pro-proliferative effects as well as cancer progression in vivo, highlighting its role as a primary target in various oncological indications as well as in second line therapy in patients with therapy-resistant cancer. In addition, animal models demonstrated that inhibition of (pro)renin binding to the RER by parenteral delivery of a decoy peptide can prevent or even abolish the development of cardiac fibrosis and diabetic nephropathy, even in AT1 receptor knockout mice. Moreover, adenoviral and transgenic overexpression of the RER deteriorates angiotensin II-independently cardiac and renal function, respectively.

Therefore, the aim of CCRP Therapeutics is to develop a small molecule drug class called renin/ prorenin receptor blockers (RERBs) as first-in-class therapy for cancers and for end-organ damage.