How Biotech Startups Use PROTACs to Degrade Disease-Causing Proteins

In this episode of Biotech Business with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna explore the emerging field of PROTACs—proteolysis-targeting chimeras—that are revolutionizing drug discovery by degrading rather than inhibiting disease-causing proteins. They dive into how startups like Arvinas and Kymera Therapeutics are leading the charge, with a focus on Arvinas's lead candidate ARV-471 for breast cancer, now in Phase 3 trials. Lucas explains the mechanism: a PROTAC is a bifunctional molecule that tags a target protein for destruction by the cell's ubiquitin-proteasome system. The hosts discuss the potential to drug previously 'undruggable' targets, the challenges of oral bioavailability and selectivity, and the competitive landscape. Luna questions whether these degraders will face resistance, and Lucas outlines the manufacturing hurdles and regulatory path forward. The episode also touches on the pivotal role of patient advocacy and data transparency in biotech. #PROTAC #TargetedProteinDegradation #Arvinas #KymeraTherapeutics #DrugDiscovery #BiotechStartups #Undruggable #ARV471 #BreastCancer #UbiquitinProteasome #Phase3Trials #OralBioavailability #Selectivity #BiotechBusiness #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LifeSciences #FDAApprovals Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo