PharmAust pleased with progression of PPL-1 trial
THE ROADHOUSE PHARMACY: PharmAust (ASX: PAA) reported that preliminary analysis of white blood cells from four patients receiving PPL-1 at the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) has shown a meaningful reduction of a key target of PPL-1, which is expressed in the cancer.
The primary objective of PharmAust’s ‘First in Man’ trial is to demonstrate safety in a rising dose format.
The company said the Evaluation of white blood cells of patients who have received PPL-1 for three consecutive days has shown the levels of p70S6K are reduced as compared to its levels before treatment started.
PharmAus outlined this preliminary analysis was undertaken in four patients who received daily doses of PPL-1 for at least 3 consecutive days and resulted in a reduction of p70S6K of between 8 per cent and 65 per cent.
“This observation confirms the biological activity of PPL-1 in man by inhibiting a key cancer growth messenger, p70S6K,” Professor David Morris, inventor of the use of PPL-1 in cancer therapy and surgeon at the St George Hospital said in PharmAus’ ASX announcement
“This finding supports our studies on p70S6K in cancer cells and in animal models.”
Professor Michael Brown, principal investigator at the RAH supported Professor Morris by saying, “This is a particularly interesting result as we are still at the lowest dose of PPL-1 in the trial and we are seeing apparent reductions in the levels of the p70S6K pharmacodynamics marker.
“We will continue to monitor patients’ blood as recruitment progresses.”
The company explained the p70S6K is considered as a promising marker and indicator of the aggressive behaviour and prognosis of carcinomas.
Overexpression of p70S6K is generally associated with aggressive disease and poor prognosis among cancer patients.
Patients with elevated p70S6K often have poor survival rates and metastases.
Reductions of p70S6K in blood cells may reflect blocks to tumour progression.
PPL-1 is an approved veterinary drug launched in recent years by one of the leading global animal health corporations for the treatment of parasitic diseases in sheep.
PharmAust, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Pitney Pharmaceuticals, owns patents on the use of PPL-1 in cancer and malignant disease.
The drug will be potentially administered to patients suffering from diverse cancers.
Recruitment will include selection of patients suffering from lung, pancreas, oesophageal, gastric, colorectal, ovarian, breast, prostate, liver, sarcoma, lymphoma, and melanoma.
Website: www.pharmaust.com