Watch: Looking to RNA-Modifying Proteins to Tackle Cancer

Lexington, MA-based Accent Therapeutics has a new idea to fight cancer. The idea is to develop drugs that target what are called RNA-modifying proteins (RMPs). RMPs modify RNA after they are produced by the DNA but before the RNA is translated into proteins. The activities of some RMPs have been linked to the development of certain cancers.

Accent believes inhibiting these proteins could be a more precise way of attacking cancer. Only two other companies are attempting to do something similar: U.K.-based Storm Therapeutics and NYC-based Gotham Therapeutics. Accent believes this approach is a fertile field for anticancer drug development.