AOH1996 is a first-in-class small molecule that selectively targets the cancer-associated isoform of PCNA (ca-PCNA). By exploiting this vulnerability in cancer cells’ DNA replication and repair machinery, RLL pioneers a novel therapeutic approach with significant market potential.

The discovery of ca-PCNA originated in Dr. Malkas’ laboratory in 1998. At the time, PCNA was deemed an “undruggable” target. More than 20 years of research culminated in AOH1996’s development, demonstrating high specificity for ca-PCNA and effectively impairing tumor cell growth.

RLL holds exclusive, worldwide rights to a robust patent portfolio covering AOH1996 and numerous analogs. These patents protect both the compound itself and its cancer-treatment applications, ensuring a strong competitive position and long-term value for the company.

Extensive preclinical research indicates that AOH1996 enhances the efficacy of many FDA-approved standard-of-care (SOC) chemotherapies, often allowing lower chemotherapy doses while achieving equal or superior tumor control. This synergy offers:

• Improved patient outcomes

• Reduced toxic side effects​

• Greater appeal to oncologists, patients, and payers

Thanks to its high selectivity and minimal toxicity, AOH1996 can serve as the “enhancer” in many chemotherapeutic regimens.

Preclinical studies by the NIH across more than 60 cancer cell lines showed AOH1996 activity in every tested type—a rare and highly encouraging finding. Since ca-PCNA is essential for the replication of all tumor cells, AOH1996 has potential utility across a wide spectrum of cancers and represents a large addressable market.

6 million dogs are diagnosed with cancer annually in the U.S., making it a leading cause of death in older dogs. The U.S. market for dog-related cancers—a subset of veterinary oncology—is estimated to be over $700 million annually and growing rapidly. As in humans, caPCNA drives DNA replication and repair in dog cancers, and the potential market for AOH1996 in the veterinary space is likewise broad and significant. 

RLL has developed proprietary preclinical data that positions AOH1996 as the foundation for a broader PCNA-targeted platform technology. By deepening our understanding of PCNA’s roles in DNA replication, repair, and cell survival, we expect to unlock opportunities for new therapeutic modalities beyond oncology.

Over billions of years of evolution, PCNA has become an essential hub for the precise coordination of DNA’s many critical functions within the living cell. Drawing inspiration from the discovery of DNA’s double helix 75 years ago, RLL stands at the forefront of PCNA research—poised to drive the next wave of breakthroughs in life-science innovation.