On February 23, 2021 Race Oncology Limited (ASX: RAC) reported to share further interim results of our continuing collaborative preclinical research program with The University of Newcastle (Press release, Race Oncology, FEB 23, 2021, View Source [SID1234576448]). Eminent cancer researcher, Associate Professor Nikki Verrills of the Hunter Medical Research Institute is leading the project .

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The aim of this recent preclinical research program is to explore Bisantrene efficacy in ovarian cancer. Bisantrene was the subject of two-Phase II clinical trials in the USA in advanced ovarian cancer patients in the 1980s. These trials showed that Bisantrene was able to induce a clinical response in heavily pre-treated ovarian cancer patients, including those resistant to doxorubicin and other standard of care drugs of the period.

Early results show Bisantrene to be an effective chemotherapeutic agent in patient- derived ovarian cancer cell lines. Bisantrene was able to kill these cancer cells that were resistant to the current standard of care ovarian drugs, cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and chlorambucil.

Race’s CSO Dr Daniel Tillett commented "These initial results from Nikki’s team further highlight Bisantrene’s potential use in ovarian cancer patients as a safer alternative to the commonly used anthracyclines which can be very dangerous to the hearts of patients. It is highly encouraging that bisantrene is able to kill ovarian cancer cells resistant to currently used treatments and these findings support further exploration of the use of Bisantrene in ovarian cancer patients."

Race’s CEO Mr Phillip Lynch added, "We continue to generate results reconfirming the historical positives for Bisantrene, in this case in ovarian cancer, the 5th most common form of cancer in women. Race Oncology has a broad range of opportunities, ovarian cancer included. This program is further evidence of Race delivering against the Three Pillar strategy, taking counsel, and completing feasibility assessments with a view to mapping promising yet attainable clinical paths for Bisantrene."