Aspen Park acquires rights of oral drug to treat castration resistant prostate cancer

APP-111 showed efficacy in preclinical studies against hormone sensitive, castration resistant, as well as taxane resistant prostate cancer.

In preclinical studies, the drug appeared to have less peripheral neurotoxicity and myelosuppression than the existing antitubulin cytotoxic agents.

Aspen Park said the drug binds to microtubules and avoids polymerization which has been shown to not only block cell division and induce cell death, but also disrupts androgen receptor signaling needed for tumor growth.

The Phase1a/1b clinical studies on the drug are expected to start in late next year. It has more than 21 issued, allowed, and pending patents.

The patents cover several potential analogue back-ups across multiple structural templates.

Aspen Park Pharmaceuticals chairman Harry Fisch said: "We are pleased to acquire the rights to APP-111 and its analogues. APP-111 has tremendous possibilities and value. We are committed to develop APP-111, a novel therapy, initially for men with advanced prostate cancer."

Aspen Park Pharmaceuticals develops prostate cancer and men’s health therapies for key medical diseases and conditions.

The prostate cancer and men’s health therapeutics market is estimated to be $18bn globally.

The company is planning to launch its PREBOOST OTC product in the US to prevent premature ejaculation.