Alfacell says Onconase shows preclinical promise

The research demonstrated that Onconase significantly inhibited tumor growth by inducing apoptosis (cell death) in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and human breast cancer cells without damaging non-cancerous cells. Additionally, the data indicated that twice weekly injections of Onconase were more effective than an equivalent single dose injection in these tumor types.

Kuslima Shogen, Alfacell’s chairman and CEO said: “This research adds to the extensive published data that supports our continued development of Onconase for multiple cancer indications. The Onconase franchise includes the gateway indication of malignant mesothelioma and several other tumor types for which we are continuing preclinical and clinical studies.”

Onconase is based on Alfacell’s ribonuclease (RNase) technology. A natural protein isolated from the leopard frog, Onconase has been shown in the laboratory and clinic to target cancer cells while sparing normal cells.