OUR SCIENCE
Reprogramming disease biology through RNA epigenetics and GPCR signaling
EPICS Therapeutics is targeting two fundamental layers of biology: how genetic information is interpreted within cells and how cells respond to signals from their environment
OUR SCIENCE
RNA epigenetics: A new entry point for cancer treatment
While most oncology efforts continue to revisit established targets, EPICS focuses on a distinct and transformative approach: how cells interpret genetic instruction.
RNA epigenetics represents a new therapeutic axis, acting downstream of DNA to control how genetic messages are processed, translated, and ultimately executed. Unlike DNA-level approaches, RNA regulation is dynamic and reversible, enabling precise modulation of disease-driving pathways.
By targeting RNA regulation, EPICS is moving beyond reactive disease management toward a more proactive paradigm—one that intercepts pathological programs as they emerge and limits the ability of cells to adapt and develop resistance.
The biology of RNA epigenetics
Beyond DNA and proteins, RNA serves as a critical regulatory layer that fine-tunes gene expression in real time. Chemical modifications, collectively known as the epitranscriptome, and their dynamics determine the fate of RNA molecules—whether they are stabilized, translated into protein, or degraded. This layer of control enables rapid adaptation of cellular behavior, but is often hijacked in disease.
Among these, N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) is the most abundant internal modification on messenger RNA. It is written by the METTL3 methyltransferase, a key regulator of RNA fate and protein synthesis. This system can be hijacked by cancer cells whereupon RNA fate is dysregulated to promote tumor growth.
Studies have shown that METTL3 is overexpressed and/or overtly functionally implicated in many tumor types, including lung, pancreatic, ovarian and colorectal cancers, as well as blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Overexpression and/or unchecked activity of METTL3 promotes tumor growth, invasion, and resistance to therapy.
Targeting RNA-modifying enzymes offers:
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Access to novel, druggable nodes in disease-relevant pathways
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The ability to rebalance aberrant gene expression programs
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A complementary strategy to DNA-targeted and protein-targeted therapies
This emerging field opens new possibilities to reshape disease biology with precision and flexibility.
“By selectively inhibiting METTL3, our data shows that it is possible to re-balance these RNA-based control mechanisms and limit tumor progression.”
OUR SCIENCE
GPCR modulation: A new approach to immune regulation
While RNA epigenetics influences how cells interpret genetic information, cells must also continuously sense and respond to signals from their environment. GPCRs regulate this communication and represent a complementary therapeutic strategy for treating cancer and immune-mediated disease.
EPICS is developing GPCR-targeted therapies to precisely modulate immune signaling pathways involved in cancer and immune-mediated disease.
The biology of GPCR modulation
GPCRs are master regulators of cellular communication, translating extracellular cues—such as metabolites, hormones, and inflammatory signals—into intracellular responses.
Through this signalling, GPCRs regulate a wide range of physiological processes, influencing how cells respond to their environment.
Their central role in cellular signalling has made GPCRs an important class of therapeutic targets across multiple disease areas, including oncology and autoimmune diseases
By modulating selected GPCRs, EPICS aims to precisely control signaling pathways that govern inflammation, immune cell behavior, and tumor microenvironment interactions.
Why GPCR modulation matters
GPCRs regulate fundamental processes including metabolism, inflammation, and immune function. Disruption of these signaling pathways can contribute to disease.
At EPICS Therapeutics, we are investigating GPCRs involved in immune regulation to develop innovative therapies for cancer and autoimmune disease.
Targeting GPCRs offers:
- Precise receptor-level modulation of cellular signaling pathways.
- The ability to influence how cells interpret and respond to extracellular signals.
- A complementary therapeutic approach alongside our RNA epigenetics platform, enabling exploration of multiple mechanisms involved in disease biology.
Our GPCR-focused pipeline includes programs targeting GPR84 (EP601) and FFAR2 (EP282).
A complementary and integrated approach
EPICS combines two complementary approaches to understanding and treating disease.
- RNA epigenetics controls how genetic information is interpreted within the cell
- GPCR modulation controls how cells perceive and respond to their environment
Together, these complementary scientific platforms provide a powerful and differentiated strategy to address complex diseases by intervening both inside the cell and at its interface with the outside world.
This dual approach enables EPICS to explore novel therapeutic combinations and unlock new opportunities for patients with limited treatment options.