These results were confirmed both in vitro as well as in vivo brain tumor models, the company said. These new results have demonstrated that the compound that Oncolin in collaboration with University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (UTMDACC) is currently developing clearly displays significantly better pharmacokinetics, increased potency and efficacy, the company noted.
The founding scientists at MD Anderson have designed a drug that passes through the blood brain barrier, a protective tissue which prevents most other drugs from entering the brain, where this drug is then retained in brain tumor cells selectively blocking the tumor’s metabolic machinery.
According to the company, this compound class also provides higher drug uptake and a longer drug half life. This drug class can also be used to treat other cancers that depend on glycolysis for survival such as breast and pancreatic cancers. This technology is covered under Oncolin’s recent exclusive option to license agreement from the UTMDACC.
Donald Picker, COO of Oncolin, said: “These data allow Oncolin to identify the potential clinical lead candidate for filing an IND with the FDA as soon as the preclinical studies will be completed.”