There has been little progress in recent decades in finding new effective treatments for primary brain cancers such as glioblastoma (GBM). Thus, development of improved therapeutics for the treatment of GBM are desperately needed. Findings from a new study led by the Duckett lab on the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) suggest a novel and exciting therapeutic approach.The study, which appeared in the December issue of Science Translational Medicine identifies an enzyme called Casein Kinase 1 delta (CK1δ), a critical regulator of cell growth, as a novel and highly tractable cancer drug target. In collaboration with the Roush lab, also of Scripps Florida, this team of researchers have developed a potent drug-like candidate that blocks CK1δ activity and promotes tumor regression in pre-clinical models of breast cancer.

Derek R. Duckett, Ph. D.

The Duckett Laboratory - The Scripps Research Institute
Our drug candidate shows great promise as a novel therapeutic for the treatment of breast cancer, and we can apply what we’ve learned from these studies to GBM. With the shared passion, and outstanding support and funding that the Rendina Family Foundation provides we are now in an excellent position to move forward in developing a brain penetrant CK1δ inhibitor for the treatment of GBM and other cancers that metastasize to the brain.

David B. Rendina

President of the Rendina Family Foundation
It is with great pleasure to continue our support and collaboration with Dr. Duckett’s lab and The Scripps Research Institute. Their pursuits embody the mission of the Rendina Family Foundation – to enhance the quality of life for families and individuals who have been affected by cancer. Together with the generous support of our donors, the remarkable research of Dr. Duckett’s Lab and The Scripps Research Institute, we hope to provide better treatment options and one day defeat cancer once and for all.