Lorus reports encouraging preclinical data from cancer study

The studies presented by the company further explore the detailed mechanism of action of LOR-253. The key findings include MTF-1 dependent induction of a novel tumor suppressor, namely Krupple like factor-4, leading to activation of several inhibitors of tumor growth as well as repression of several tumor promoters. These alterations were demonstrated specifically in cancer cells, but not in normal cells, which supports a strong LOR-253-mediated antitumor activity. These observations occurred at safe doses in several animal studies, the company said.

Lorus also reported that LOR-253 inhibits angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels that promotes tumor growth. In animal studies, non-small cell lung tumors isolated from LOR-253 treated mice showed reduced blood vessel density, indicating inhibition of tumor angiogenesis. The tumors also showed reduced expression of hypoxia induced factor-1 alpha, a known angiogenesis stimulator, through inhibition of MTF-1.

LOR-253 is currently in late stage preclinical development. An investigational new drug application for LOR-253 is being finalized and is to be filed with the FDA in the second quarter of 2009 for a Phase I dose escalation trial in selected solid tumors.

Aiping Young, president and CEO of Lorus, said: “These new results provide additional proof of anticancer mechanisms for LOR-253, and demonstrates the value of this novel compound to our pipeline. We are especially pleased to report that LOR-253 inhibits angiogenesis, which is a well-validated mechanism for progression of cancer and other diseases.”