(E,E)-bisantrene Discovered to Function via Silencing of c-MYC Expression

Preclinical studies have highlighted how (E,E)-bisantrene silences c-MYC gene expression via G4-DNA binding and stabilization leading to clinically relevant and broad anticancer activity

SYDNEY, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Racura Oncology, an Australian Phase 3 stage clinical biopharmaceutical company, reports the discovery of the primary mechanism of action (MOA) of its lead oncology asset, (E,E)-bisantrene. Bisantrene has a long clinical history of activity across a range of cancer indications, but its mechanism of action has been unknown.

Preclinical studies undertaken by Racura and collaborators identified that (E,E)-bisantrene exerts its anticancer activity by binding to and stabilizing G-quadruplex (G4) DNA and RNA structures, key regulatory elements involved in controlling oncogene expression.

At the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026, Racura presented new preclinical data demonstrating that (E,E)-bisantrene directly binds and stabilizes G4 DNA structures within the c-MYC gene promoter region, resulting in potent suppression of c-MYC expression and broad cytotoxic activity in a wide range of cancer models.^[1][2]

The MYC protein functions as a master regulator of gene expression, governing thousands of genes involved in cell growth, differentiation, survival, metabolic reprogramming, chemotherapy resistance, and immune surveillance.^[3] Crucially, MYC is the most commonly deregulated oncogene across human cancers, and has often been referred to as the 'holy grail' of targets due to its prevalence across many cancer indications. The promoter region of the c-MYC gene contains G4 DNA structures, which can suppress MYC expression when stabilized by drug binding.^[4]

Race Oncology CEO and Managing Director, Dr Daniel Tillett said, "The discovery that (E,E)-bisantrene acts primarily by binding to G4-DNA structures leading to the inhibition of c-MYC expression fundamentally changes our thinking on how to best use this drug in the clinic.

This body of work significantly advances our understanding of (E,E)-bisantrene and highlights its potential as a best-in-class therapy targeting a central driver of cancer, MYC dysregulation."

About Racura Oncology

Racura Oncology (ASX: RAC) is a Phase 3 clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company with a mission to silence cancer. Our lead asset, (E,E)-bisantrene, is a small molecule anticancer agent that primarily functions via G4-DNA and RNA binding, leading to potent silencing of the important cancer growth regulator MYC.

Racura is advancing a proprietary formulation of (E,E)-bisantrene (RC220) to address the high unmet needs of patients across multiple oncology indications, with a Phase 3 clinical program in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a Phase 1a/b program in mutant epidermal growth factor receptor non-small cell lung cancer (EGFRm NSCLC), and a Phase 1a/b program in combination with the anthracycline doxorubicin, where we aim to deliver both cardioprotection and enhanced anticancer activity for solid tumor patients.

Learn more at www.racuraoncology.com.

The material in this release has been prepared by Racura Oncology Limited (ACN 149 318 749) (Company).

THIS IS NOT A PROSPECTUS

This release is not a prospectus, product disclosure statement or disclosure document for the purposes of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act). It has not been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, or otherwise. 

Statements in this release are made only as of the date of this release unless otherwise stated and the information in this release remains subject to change without notice. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy or completeness of the information, opinions and conclusions contained in this release or any other information the Company or any other person otherwise provides to you.

This release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities in the United States. Any securities described in this release have not been, and will not be, registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act) or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States and may not be offered or sold in the United States except in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, registration under the Securities Act and applicable US state securities laws.

NOT FINANCIAL PRODUCT ADVICE

No attempt has been made to independently verify the information contained in this release. The information in this release is of a general nature and does not constitute financial product advice, investment advice or any recommendation. Nothing in this release constitutes legal, financial, tax or other advice. The information in this release does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs, or those of any other person. You should make your own assessment of an investment in the Company and should not rely on this release. In all cases, you should conduct your own investigations and analysis of the financial condition, assets and liabilities, financial position and performance, profits and losses, prospects and business affairs of the Company and its business, and the contents of this release. You should seek legal, financial, tax and other advice appropriate to your jurisdiction.

THIS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OR ADVERTISEMENT

This release does not constitute an invitation, offer or recommendation to apply for or purchase Shares and does not contain any application form for Shares. This release does not constitute an advertisement for an offer or proposed offer of Shares. 

NO LIABILITY

The Company has prepared this release based on information available to it at the time of preparation, from sources believed to be reliable and subject to the qualifications in this release. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information, opinions and conclusions contained in this release. To the maximum extent permitted by law, none of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates or the directors, employees, agents, representatives or advisers of any such party, nor any other person accepts any liability for any loss arising from the use of this release or its contents or otherwise arising in connection with it, including without limitation, any liability arising from fault or negligence on the part of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates or the directors, employees, agents, representatives or advisers of any such party.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risk factors associated with an oncology company. Forward looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including, without limitation, the terms "believes", "estimates", "anticipates", "expects", "predicts", "intends", "plans", "goals", "targets", "aims", "outlook", "guidance", "forecasts", "may", "will", "would", "could" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and may be beyond the Company's ability to control or predict which may cause the actual results or performance of the Company to be materially different from the results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on assumptions and are not guarantees or predictions of future performance. No representation is made that any of these statements or projections will come to pass or that any forecast result will be achieved, nor as to their accuracy, completeness or correctness. Similarly, no representation is given that the assumptions upon which forward looking statements may be based are reasonable.

SOURCE Racura Oncology