Race Oncology Limited (ASX:RAC) has extended and expanded its collaborative cardio-protective research programme for Zantrene (bisantrene dihydrochloride) with eminent cardiotoxicity researchers, Associate Professors Aaron Sverdlov and Doan Ngo, at The University of Newcastle.
This collaboration builds on the initial heart safety preclinical study (and will explore the cardio-protective attributes of Zantrene in vitro when used in combination with an expanded panel of anti-cancer drugs known to damage the hearts of cancer patients, as well as to undertake animal studies.
Race revealed an updated Three Pillar Strategy at the 2021 AGM building on the recent discovery that Zantrene is able to protect heart muscle cells from both anthracycline and carfilzomib-induced death while also better targeting cancer cells.
Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Daniel Tillett, said this strategically important collaboration will underpin a cardio-protective Phase 2b clinical trial in cancer patients at high risk of anthracycline-induced heart damage, which is expected to be begin treating patients in late 2022.
The success of our collaboration with Associate Professors Aaron Sverdlov and Doan Ngo has been exceptional to date. We all look forward to uncovering all the cardio-protection secrets Zantrene has to reveal,” Dr Tillett said.
This programme will cost $322,000 and start immediately, with results to be reported over the coming 12 months.
Associate Professors Sverdlov and Ngo lead the dedicated Australian-first, bench-to-bedside “Cancer and the Heart” clinical and basic research program at the University of Newcastle, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Hunter New England Local Health District and Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospitals.
Race Oncology is an ASX listed precision oncology company with a Phase 2/3 cancer drug called Zantrene. Zantrene is a potent inhibitor of the Fatso/Fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) protein. Overexpression of FTO has been shown to be the genetic driver of a diverse range of cancers.
Race is exploring the use of Zantrene as a new therapy for melanoma and clear cell renal cell carcinoma, which are both frequent FTO over-expressing cancers. In breakthrough preclinical research, Race has also discovered that Zantrene protects from anthracycline-induced heart damage, while in tandem acting with anthracyclines and proteasome inhibitors to improve their ability to target breast cancer. Race is evaluating this discovery.
The vompany also has compelling clinical data for Zantrene as a chemotherapeutic agent and is in clinical trial in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).
Race is pursuing outsized commercial returns for shareholders via its ‘Three Pillar’ strategy for the clinical development of Zantrene.
Learn more at www.raceoncology.com
