Protox and FDA collaborate in cancer research

The collaboration will focus on characterizing interleukin-4 receptors on various human tumors, determining the mechanism of up regulation of these receptors, developing assays and animal models to evaluate the safety and efficacy of interleukin-4 receptor-directed therapeutic agents, such as PXR321, and using laboratory analyses to assess the clinical potential of PRX321, either as a monotherapy or in combination with other therapeutic agents.

In addition, novel compounds targeting interleukin-4 receptors will be engineered and tested. Under the terms of the agreement, Protox has an exclusive option to license any future inventions developed under the research program.

The collaborative research and development program will be conducted by the principal investigators Sam Denmeade, chief scientific officer of Protox and Raj Puri, director, division of cellular and gene therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research at the FDA.

Dr Sam Denmeade, said: “This collaboration will support our upcoming primary brain cancer clinical trial as well as serve to demonstrate the full potential of PRX321 as a selective and potent therapeutic targeting a large number of tumours that overexpress interleukin-4 receptors.”