On March 25, 2024 CureLab Oncologya clinical-stage biotech company, reported that it has been granted a patent in Canada for its novel biological agent, Elenagen, which has been shown to provide clinical benefits for cancer patients (Press release, CureLab Oncology, MAR 25, 2024, View Source [SID1234641406]). Elenagen belongs to a novel class of biological agents that use supercoiled circular DNA (plasmids) to increase anti-tumor immunity and boost the effectiveness of existing therapies.
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Elenagen has demonstrated a desirable safety profile and a statistically significant clinical benefit for cancer patients by enhancing the anti-cancer effects of chemotherapy. Experimental results also indicate mitigation of chronic inflammation, anti-aging effects, and stimulation of an immune response to a tumor. For example, in a recent study published in Frontiers in Oncology, a research team found that disease progression was significantly delayed in a group of stage III and IV platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients who received gemcitabine in combination with Elenagen, compared to the group who received gemcitabine alone.
Elenagen addresses an urgent need in Canada
Cancer remains a significant health concern and a substantial economic burden in Canada. Recent studies indicate that in 2021, the total economic cost of cancer in Canada exceeded $26 billion, with a significant portion borne directly by patients and families. These rising costs highlight the urgent need for innovative solutions. The costs of cancer care are highest in the initial treatment period, emphasizing the critical need for advances in prevention and early detection, such as promising vaccine technologies. Elenagen has the potential to alleviate a portion of those costs, while also improving outcomes and quality of life for those affected by cancer.
"For too long, we’ve witnessed the devastating toll cancer takes on Canadian families. Elenagen represents a beacon of hope, moving us closer to a world where a cancer diagnosis doesn’t have to be a devastating sentence," said Alexander Shneider, Ph.D., founder and CEO of CureLab Oncology. "By mitigating the effects of cancer in Canada, we aim to alleviate substantial long-term healthcare costs and improve quality of life for countless patients."
A veterinary version of Elenagen called Elenavet, and the entire IP rights for cancer treatment in dogs, cats and horses has been exclusively licensed by CureLab Oncology to its sister company, CureLab Veterinary Inc. ElenaVet is a gene therapy that enhances the animal’s anticancer immune response. In comparative medicine studies, ElenaVet saved 10 out of 11 dogs with breast cancer and precluded or delayed the metastatic process in dogs with melanoma. Similar results were observed with cats.
About Elenagen
CureLab’s lead investigational compound is code-named Elenagen, an experimental DNA therapy that consists of a circular piece of DNA called a plasmid that includes a gene for a human protein called p62/SQSTM1. In clinical studies conducted ex-US, Elenagen demonstrated desirable safety profile and statistically significant clinical benefit for cancer patients by enhancing the anti-cancer effects of chemotherapy. Experimental results also indicate mitigation of chronic inflammation, anti-aging effects, and stimulation of an immune response to the tumor.