Developed by Professor Jing-Ping Liou’s research group at Taipei Medical University (TMU), anti-cancer agent MPT0E028 is being co-developed by TMU and Formosa Pharmaceuticals. MPT0E028 is a novel pan-HDAC (histone deacetylase) inhibitor, upregulating H3 and tubulin acetylation, leading to cell cycle arrest and cell death. Results from in vitro studies have shown that MPT0E028 significantly inhibits tumor growth in various solid tumor cells, such as hepatomas and colorectal cancer. In animal xenograft studies, orally-administered MPT0E028 demonstrated compelling tumor growth inhibition with minimal effect on body weight.

MPT0E028 has completed pre-clinical assessments, including pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, safety pharmacology, and formulation design. The IND, approved by both US-FDA and Taiwan FDA, has enabled the completion of Phase 1 clinical trials at National Taiwan University Hospital and Taipei Medical University Hospital, evaluating the safety and maximum tolerated dose (MTD), as well as the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile in late-stage solid tumor patients. Additionally, based on its mechanism of action, MPT0E028 has been established as a potential therapy for fibrotic diseases.

MPT0E028 has been regionally (Taiwan) licensed to Anbogen Therapeutics for oncology indications.

Formosa Pharmaceuticals owns ~30% share of MPT0E028.