Aveo Pharmaceuticals has reported data from its preclinical models which demonstrates that the company’s potent and selective triple VEGF receptor inhibitor, AV-951, exhibits robust inhibitory activity in its novel, genetically engineered model of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Aveo has generated primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors in mice using a previously established tissue reconstitution approach. Mice reconstituted with KRAS/p53- and myc/p53- developed tumors in the liver with a latency of two to five months and penetrance of 30 to 50%. Histological examination demonstrated that these tumors resemble the features of human HCCs.
Preclinical data showed variation in vessel histology among primary HCC tumors, and a subset of HCC tumors exhibited microvessels consistent with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) driven angiogenesis. Aveo said that it has observed activity of its potent, triple VEGF inhibitor AV-951 in these HCC models, suggesting that AV-951 may be an efficacious single-agent treatment for human HCC.
Tuan Ha-Ngoc, president and CEO of Aveo, said: By utilizing the unique capability of our proprietary cancer biology platform to guide drug development strategies for AV-951, which is currently completing Phase II clinical development in advanced renal cell carcinoma, we are able to create more relevant models of human cancer in which to evaluate efficacy.
The activity of AV-951 in Aveo-engineered models of HCC highlights the potential role of our novel, triple VEGF receptor inhibitor in the treatment of this deadly cancer.