The data show that administration of INGN 241 induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells but not in normal cells. Additionally, INGN 241 sensitizes tumors to conventional drugs such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy and increases a variety of immune-stimulating cytokines.
Studies also show that INGN 241 inhibits angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels are formed. Angiogenesis is required to support the growth of tumors beyond a minimal size, and inhibition of this process has been validated as an approach to treating cancer.
“Tumor suppressors, cytokines and anti-angiogenic agents have individually demonstrated significant potential in the treatment of cancer,” said Dr Sunil Chada, Introgen’s associate vice president of clinical research. “INGN 241 is the first anticancer drug under investigation that combines these three powerful anticancer activities into a single therapeutic.
“The multiple anticancer activities of INGN 241 suggest that it could provide a novel approach to treating cancer, one that incorporates several validated therapeutic approaches into a single drug,” Chada concluded.