Theralase Technologies Inc (TSX-V:TLT, OTCQB:TLTFF) announced that its lead drug formulation Rutherrin has been shown preclinically to be activated by the common diabetes drug Metformin without the use of light or radiation.
The company highlighted that because both drugs are proven to cross the blood-brain barrier and tumor-specific blood barriers, this discovery could potentially allow for the precise targeting of cancer cells by Metformin-activated Rutherrin anywhere in the body, including the brain.
To determine Metformin’s ability to activate Rutherrin as demonstrated by the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) non-small cell lung cancer cells, these cells were treated with Rutherrin, Metformin or a combination of the two drugs for 24 hours.
Rutherrin alone increased ROS production leading to cancer cell death but was significantly increased by activating Rutherrin with Metformin.
Theralase CEO Dr Roger DuMoulin-White described the discovery as a “game changer” in the clinical use of Rutherrin.
“By activating it, without light and/or radiation, this treatment can significantly be expanded to offering it on an out-patient basis or even an in-home treatment basis,” he said.
“Traditionally, Rutherrin is required to be activated by laser light and/or radiation, but now it is envisioned that Rutherrin can be instilled in the body via IV drip followed by activation with Metformin, taken orally. This can be accomplished virtually anywhere, and if required, can be accompanied by hospital-based radiation treatments, if the disease state requires it.”
The CEO said that based on this latest research and pending Good Laboratory Practices toxicology analysis of Rutherrin and regulatory approval, the company plans to kick off practitioner-led and/or Theralase-led, clinical studies targeting various cancers.
“The clear advantage is that light and/or radiation equipment is no longer a prerequisite and the procedure can be completed outside of the hospital or expensive operating room, significantly lowering the cost of providing the treatment and the burden on elderly patients, with limited mobility,” DuMoulin-White said.
“We look forward to commercializing this technology and its ease of delivery for the benefit of all patients stricken with this terrible disease.”
Dr Arkady Mandel, Theralase’s chief scientific officer, added: “This latest research supports a whole new line of research; specifically, identifying additional drugs, as potential synergistic candidates for activating Rutherrin in the destruction of various cancers.”