Race Oncology Ltd's Daniel Tillett explains how the company's drug Bisantrene stands out for its innovative approach to revitalising an existing drug.
The company identified a previously approved treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) that had been discontinued due to formulation challenges. The drug’s poor solubility in blood led to severe side effects, limiting its clinical use.
Race Oncology developed a new formulation that resolves these issues while also qualifying for fresh patent protection, securing exclusivity for 20 years.
Further research uncovered an additional benefit: the drug has the potential to protect the heart from damage caused by anthracyclines while simultaneously enhancing their anti-cancer effects. This dual action could improve chemotherapy outcomes while mitigating associated risks.