Roquefort Therapeutics PLC (LSE:ROQ, OTCQB:ROQAF) said two of its antibodies were found to be effective in reducing the growth of cancer in the group’s latest in vivo efficacy trial.
The anti-Midkine antibodies, CAB-101 and CAB-102, are being developed to help treat metastatic lung and breast cancer.
CAB-101 was found statistically to reduce lung metastasis growth and CAB-102 was noted for reducing the growth rate of the primary tumour, a statement on Monday said.
Also announced was a new program for an osteosarcoma orphan drug indication.
This is the biotech firm’s first orphan drug indication and aims to treat untapped cancer niches where there is a “high unmet clinical need”, according to Ajan Reginald, chief executive.
He said: “There is a very poor 5-year survival rate of just 24%, and this poor survival is associated with over-expression of Midkine.
“Our rationale was that by targeting Midkine, we would be able to attack both primary tumours and metastasis.”
More detailed results from the tests will be released at an upcoming cancer research conference.
Last week, the UK-based company achieved significant results in another study involving anti-cancer treatments.