Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland Develop Dual HIF Inhibitors to Combat Cancer
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy have developed a new class of small molecule drugs that inhibit hypoxia-inducible factors 1 and 2 (HIF-1/2). These transcription factors are known as 'master regulators' of cancer progression. The study, led by Gregg L. Semenza, MD, PhD, demonstrated that these drugs can overcome resistance to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. When combined with immunotherapy, they were able to completely eliminate breast, colorectal, melanoma, and prostate tumors in mice. This suggests potential for treating a wide range of cancers in humans. The research highlights the role of HIF-1/2 in promoting cancer cell survival, growth, and metastasis, and their ability to suppress immune responses against tumors. 
