COTI-2 is a molecule that inhibits Akt/PKB (Protein kinase B) phosphorylation which leads to caspase-9 activation in cancer cells resulting in apoptosis or programmed cell death. COTI-2 differs from other cancer treatments in that other treatments involve the killing of all growing and dividing cells in the body resulting in significant toxic side effects while COTI-2 appears to target and destroy cancer cells only.
Wayne Danter, president and CSO of COTI, said: “In 2010 pancreatic cancer remains the most lethal cancer and effective oral treatments with low toxicity are urgently needed. The results of this second set of experiments confirm that chronically administered oral Coti-2 is a well tolerated effective single agent and there is enhanced efficacy in combination with Abraxane in an animal model of human pancreatic cancer.
“These results extend previous findings for oral Coti-2 alone and in combination with gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer. We continue to add to the impressive data set for Coti-2, showing effectiveness and low toxicity, particularly in combination with first and second line agents, against multiple cancers.”
Michael Cloutier, CEO of COTI, said: “We are once again delighted with these new experimental results providing further evidence supporting the commercial potential of oral Coti-2 in pancreatic cancer. This new data will stimulate further discussions as we continue to evaluate our options pertaining to a licensing arrangement for Coti-2.”