On October 28, 2019 Innovation Pharmaceuticals (OTCQB:IPIX) ("the Company"), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, is reported to highlight preclinical data by independent cancer researchers supporting the therapeutic potential of Kevetrin, the Company’s novel p53-modulating anti-cancer drug candidate, in treating Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) (Press release, Innovation Pharmaceuticals, OCT 28, 2019, View Source [SID1234549913]).
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Building on Kevetrin data in AML presented at the 2017 European Hematology Association (EHA) (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, a group of independent cancer researchers recently presented additional data at the June 2019 EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual Meeting, and at the October 2019 Italian Society of Hematology Annual Meeting.
Results showed that Kevetrin alters cellular metabolism and several key genes, including TP53 and MYC, both of which when dysfunctional are implicated in many types of cancers, including AML.
The researchers’ conclusion as presented at the June 2019 EHA (Free EHA Whitepaper) Annual Meeting:
Our results show Kevetrin alters several key genes and cellular metabolism. Along with cellular data, this study could provide a rationale for an experimental trial in AML patients, especially those carrying TP53 mutation who actually have very few therapeutic options.
A related scientific article remains under review for publication. The paper details Kevetrin’s treatment potential in AML by targeting p53 and several key leukemia-related genes.
The continued publication flow of encouraging studies related to Kevetrin’s potential in AML is particularly promising. AML accounts for almost one-third of all leukemias worldwide and has a 5-year survival rate of only 25 percent. Pre-clinical research and academic literature also support Kevetrin’s potential in combination with cancer immunotherapies.
Kevetrin was shown to be well-tolerated in a completed Phase 1 clinical trial in Advanced Solid Tumors, with a separate Phase 2a clinical trial in late-stage Ovarian Cancer showing intra-tumor p53 modulation. P53 is the most studied gene of all time, eliciting significant private and public investment—e.g., see Aprea Therapeutics, PMV Pharma, Aileron Therapeutics—given an approved p53 drug would likely have a large impact in fighting many types of cancer. Next steps within the Innovation Pharmaceuticals cancer program is to complete the necessary remaining bridging toxicology work toward developing Kevetrin in oral formulation, both to leverage its pharmacokinetics (PK) profile and provide a more patient-friendly mode of administration.