Zelda Therapeutics Ltd (ASX:ZLD) has confirmed that the results of a study undertaken by a member of its medical advisory board have been published in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The paper titled 'Therapeutic targeting of HER2-CB2R heteromers in HER2-positive breast cancer' was published by Professor Cristina Sanchez and her team based at Complutense University in Madrid, Spain and describes a mechanism by which cannabinoid receptor CB2 can bind the HER2 receptor to form a novel complex.
The findings identified a new target in the endocannabinoid system for the treatment of HER2+ breast cancer.
Better understanding of endocannabinoid system in cancer
Zelda’s chief executive officer Richard Hopkins said: “This paper makes an important contribution to our understanding of the role of the endocannabinoid system in cancer and has identified a novel therapeutic target for management of HER2+ breast cancer.
“Zelda is delighted to be collaborating with Professor Sanchez and her team.
“This study provides further validation of Zelda’s strategy to partner with the world’s leading researchers and represents an important step towards the development of new cannabis-based therapies for the treatment of cancer.”
READ: Zelda Therapeutics reflects on busy December half
Zelda’s cancer-focused pre-clinical research is designed to build a comprehensive data set and novel intellectual property in a form that can be licensed to third parties in the future.
As part of the agreement with Sanchez and the Complutense University, IP generated from the collaboration will be assigned to Zelda.
This strategy complements the existing clinical trial portfolio to validate formulations and provide robust clinical evidence demanded by the medical community and regulators.
Successful completion of these trials allows the company to quickly move towards commercialisation.
Zelda's product pipeline
READ: Zelda Therapeutics links up with International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute
Earlier this month the company engaged the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute (ICCI), an international centre of excellence in the advancement of cannabinoid treatments, to support its clinical trial programs in autism, opioid reduction and insomnia.
Hopkins said at the time: “We’re honoured to be working with the ICCI and Dr Ethan Russo, who are recognised globally as leading authorities on medicinal cannabis, their insights will help inform and accelerate our clinical trial programs.”
Zelda is also in partnership with world-leading researchers and organisations on its pre-clinical research program, examining the effect of cannabinoids in breast, brain and pancreatic cancer as well as examining the potential for cannabinoids to treat diabetes-associated cognitive decline.
- Jessica Cummins