Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children younger than five years of age.
Despite advances in modern therapy, metastatic neuroblastoma remains incurable. One barrier to a cure is finding an effective way to deliver RNAi therapeutics, particularly to metastatic cancer, which could be located anywhere in the body.
A collaborative study by Caltech and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles recently demonstrated that Calando’s proprietary delivery technology can deliver short interfering RNA (siRNA) to targeted cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth in mice by silencing the target gene.
The research program between the organizations is anticipated to last at least three years, and involve preclinical research and its translation into human clinical trials. Responsibilities for development of the various therapeutics will be shared between Calando and the NCI.
“We are very excited to be able to collaborate with such a diverse and talented group of physicians and scientists at the NCI,” said John Petrovich, Calando’s CEO. “Through this collaboration, Calando and the NCI hope to develop therapeutics to treat more effectively one of the deadliest cancers.”