Clinical trials of a virus that selectively attacks cancer cells will begin in 2012
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The world's largest biomedical research fund The Wellcome Trust has provided a biotechnology company, PsiOxus Therapeutics, £ 1.8 million for clinical trials of a virus that selectively attacks cancer cells. Tests are expected to begin as early as early 2012.
The goal of scientists from PsiOxus Therapeutics, which is engaged in the creation of "smart drugs for serious diseases", is the development of a new cancer treatment method based on the use of a virus that shows high specificity for cancer cells. Viruses that primarily attack cancer cells and do not harm normal tissues are known as oncolytic viruses. Oncolytic ColoAd1 virus was obtained on the basis of the evolutionary principle of natural selection.
Laboratory studies have shown that ColoAd1 selectively destroys cancer cells of a wide range of solid tumors without showing activity against cells of normal tissues. Compared with other oncolytic viruses also obtained for anticancer therapy, ColoAd1 maintains a high level of activity in the blood of a person. This means the possibility of its systematic administration for the treatment of metastatic cancer, that is, cancer that has already spread to other tissues.
PsiOxus Therapeutics plans to use the Wellcome Trust award to conduct the Phase I / II clinical trials of ColoAd1 in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, during which the safety and tolerability of the virus by the human body will be assessed. For the near future, tests are also planned for patients with other solid tumors, including primary hepatocellular carcinoma and ovarian cancer.
"We are pleased that our innovative oncolytic product has been recognized by the UK's leading biomedical fund, the Wellcome Trust. This funding makes it possible to conduct key clinical trials aimed at confirming the safety and efficacy of intravenous administration of ColoAd1 to patients with metastatic cancer, "said Dr. John Beadle, CEO of PsiOxus Therapeutics, commenting on the Wellcome Trust decision.
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