Evgen Pharma PLC (AIM:EVG) is to collaborate with Dr Grace Chen of the University of Michigan to investigate the potential anti-tumour effects of its lead asset, SFX-01, on colorectal cancer (CRC).
Previous pre-clinical work has shown efficacy on a wide range of cancer cells including breast cancer, glioblastoma and certain blood cancers.
Huw Jones, Evgen’s chief executive, said: "Colorectal cancer is a relatively common disease and a cancer type we have not explored extensively.
"This new project is our fifteenth pre-clinical collaboration to date."
The effects and mechanism of action of SFX-01 on organoid growth, morphology, stemness and inflammatory markers will also be investigated, using normal and malignant patient-derived organoids and tumour tissue.
Colorectal cancer is considered to be the third most common form of cancer worldwide, with between 1.5-2mln annual diagnoses, and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Recently, there has been a sharp rise in early-onset CRC among the under-fifties.
Dr Chen added: "We have seen the encouraging data of SFX-01 in various indications and want to understand more about the potential of Evgen's sulforaphane-synthesising technology in colorectal cancer to help develop prevention strategies."
Evgen's core technology is Sulforadex, a method for synthesising naturally occurring compound sulforaphane, which has shown to be beneficial in reducing inflammation and blocking DNA mutation of cancer.
Initial results from the Michigan University study are expected at the end of 2023.