Race Oncology Ltd (ASX:RAC) traded higher on releasing positive interim results from a preclinical cardioprotection program undertaken in collaboration with researchers from the University of Newcastle that highlighted Zantrene’s protective function for the hearts of mice given chemotherapy drugs.
The program was designed to explore the cardioprotective properties of Zantrene when used in synergy with anti-cancer treatments.
Tests conducted on mice demonstrated Zantrene’s ability to protect the heart from the damaging effects of anthracyclines (specifically doxorubicin), even when the chemotherapeutic dose was increased, offering protection from ‘significant’ additional toxicity or bone marrow suppression.
“Major step forward”
“Extending the initial cardioprotection study from cells to hearts is a major step forward for Race,” Race Oncology chief scientific officer Dr Daniel Tillett said.
“We now know Zantrene is not only able to protect human heart muscle cells from anthracycline-induced death but that this also applies to hearts in animals.
“When combined with the historical clinical data around Zantrene heart safety, we believe Zantrene may offer millions of patients a unique combination of cardioprotection with enhanced anti-cancer efficacy.
“Such opportunities are rare in oncology.”
Shares higher
Investors responded positively, driving shares as much as 12.91% higher to A$2.10 while the company's market cap is approximately A$320 million.
The anthracyclines class of chemotherapy drugs often causes side effects related to weakened heart muscles, due to the build-up of calcium and other chemical reactions within the body that release damaging free radicals.
Damage caused by these drugs can lead to irreversible cardiomyopathy (enlargement of the heart) or congestive heart failure.
“First evidence of its kind”
“To date, there are no widely used or well-established strategies to protect the heart against chemotherapy-induced damage,” University of Newcastle associate professor Aaron Sverdlov said.
“Furthermore, the concept of potential cancer therapy that is not only non-cardiotoxic but cardioprotective has not been evaluated or even entertained.
“These results suggest that Zantrene, an effective anti-cancer agent, can concomitantly provide protection against toxic effects on the heart from one of the most used chemotherapy agents, doxorubicin.
“This is the first evidence of its kind to demonstrate that there is a therapy that both targets the cancer and protects the heart!
“This has the potential to improve health outcomes for countless cancer patients and survivors by both improving their cancer treatment while preventing development of cardiovascular disease.”
Despite dosage restrictions, the incidence of anthracycline-induced cardiac dysfunction (ACD) has been found to be 6% for overt heart failure and up to 18% for subclinical cardiac dysfunction, side effects that place a huge burden on cancer survivors.
“It’s pleasing to see our strategic ambitions for cardioprotection independently validated at an animal level which enables us to prioritise clinical translation,” Race Oncology CEO Phillip Lynch said.
“We are committed to producing further preclinical data that will continue to prove the case for this opportunity for Zantrene.
“It’s certainly a large commercial opportunity and one that’s got significant potential to improve modern chemotherapy.”