Sebastian Pomplun receives ERC Proof of Concept grant for MYSTIC, to advance an innovative cancer treatment idea
Sebastian Pomplun from the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research has recently received an ERC Proof of Concept grant for his ambitious MYSTIC project. This initiative is set to transform cancer treatment by advancing the development of HeloMYC, a pioneering therapeutic candidate designed to target MYC—a critical driver in many human cancers that has long eluded conventional drugs due to its lack of clear binding sites for small molecules.
HeloMYC, a synthetically enhanced protein drug, is engineered to effectively enter cancer cells and block MYC function, offering a fresh approach to a notoriously challenging target. Over the next 18 months, the project will focus on refining and testing HeloMYC, securing vital patents to protect the innovation, and devising a strategic plan to bring this breakthrough treatment to market. If successful, MYSTIC could not only provide a new treatment for MYC-driven cancers but also pave the way for novel strategies against other diseases that have traditionally been considered untreatable, offering renewed hope to millions of patients and marking a significant step forward in precision medicine.
