Revive Therapeutics Ltd (CSE:RVV, OTCQB:RVVTF, FRA:31R) told investors it has boosted its clinical-stage product pipeline by striking an exclusive license deal to advance medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum compounds to treat cancer.
The agreement was struck with Puerto Rico Science Technology and Research Trust (PRSTRT), representing Universidad Central del Caribe (UCC) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (St. Jude) where researchers have linked compounds with anti-cancer activity, specifically against breast cancer.
As a drug candidate, it could potentially treat the most aggressive types of breast cancers such as triple-negative and inflammatory, Revive noted.
"We are very excited about the new addition to our clinical-stage product pipeline as part of our long-term strategy of unlocking the therapeutic potential of medicinal mushrooms such as psilocybin and Ganoderma lucidum to treat mental health, substance abuse and aggressive cancers," said Michael Frank, CEO of Revive Therapeutics in a statement.
READ: Revive Therapeutics advancing psilocybin to FDA clinical studies for methamphetamine use disorder and stroke
"Our intention is to build off from the research conducted at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and UCC by advancing towards FDA IND-enabling studies to allow for human clinical studies," Frank added.
Ganoderma lucidum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than two millennia and the Ganoderma lucidum extract (GLE) has been linked to improved length and quality of life. Notably, its use does not interfere with conventional therapy.
But despite the well-established therapeutic uses of GLE, the organic compounds responsible for its biological activity have thus far not been identified.
Revive, PRSTRT and St. Jude have agreed to terms consistent with industry standards, including future payments based on clinical trial and revenue milestones, the company said.
Ontario-headquartered Revive is a life sciences company focused on the research and development of therapeutics for infectious diseases and rare disorders.
It is prioritizing drug development efforts to take advantage of several regulatory incentives awarded by the FDA such as Orphan Drug, Fast Track, Breakthrough Therapy and Rare Pediatric Disease designations.
Contact the author at giles@proactiveinvestors.com