Pascal Biosciences Announces Optimization of Cannabinoid-Derived Drug Candidates to Kill Glioblastoma Cells
05 November 2018 - 2:00PM
Pascal Biosciences Inc. (TSX.V:PAS) (“Pascal” or
the “Company”), a drug discovery and development company, today
announced the peer reviewed publication and upcoming presentation
of their recently licensed cannabinoid-derived drug program for
glioblastoma. Dr. Stella and colleagues are publishing their work
today in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (Vol.159), a
peer reviewed journal with a high impact value. These results will
be presented at the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Society for
Neuro-Oncology in New Orleans, on Saturday, November 17, 2018
(Poster # DDIS-12).
The findings, titled: “Modified carbazoles destabilize
microtubules and kill glioblastoma multiform cells,” summarize
research headed by Dr. Nephi Stella, founder and co-director of the
University of Washington Center for Cannabis Research. This work
details the discovery of compounds based on cannabinoids, and
follows their chemical optimization into potent tumor killing
agents.
“Our compounds kill tumor cells derived from patients with
glioblastoma,” said Dr. Stella. “I’m excited to see Pascal rapidly
advancing this promising program, as it has great potential to help
patients diagnosed with glioblastoma, brain metastases and other
devastating cancers.”
“This work is covered by intellectual property licensed by
Pascal, resulting in the next generation of cannabinoid-based
therapeutics for treating devastating brain cancers,” said Dr.
Patrick Gray, CEO of Pascal. “We are eager to begin clinical trials
for our first therapeutic next year, and Dr. Stella’s vast
expertise will also advance our other cannabinoid programs.”Pascal
recently licensed the portfolio of cannabinoids and related
compounds synthesized by Dr. Stella at the University of Washington
and Dr. Philippe Diaz of the University of Montana. Pascal is
advancing its lead candidate ST-403 into clinical trials, which are
targeted to begin in 2019.
About ST-403 and Glioblastoma
ST-403 is a mitosis inhibitor that blocks cell division. Drugs
of this class disrupt microtubules, which are the structures that
pull chromosomes apart during cell division. There are several
mitotic inhibitors approved for cancer treatment, including
paclitaxel and vinblastine, and they have substantial benefit on
solid tumors when combined with other chemotherapeutics. However,
unlike ST-403, none of these agents cross the blood brain barrier
and therefore have no activity on glioblastoma or other brain
cancers.
Glioblastoma multiforme is a devastating disease for patients
with limited treatment options due to the high rate of recurrence
and aggressive tumor growth. According to the National Brain Tumor
Society, glioblastoma strikes about 15,000 patients each year in
North America with a median survival rate of 12 to 17 months.
Therapies to treat glioblastoma are limited to surgery, radiation
and chemotherapy, and more recently tumor treating fields. The only
chemotherapeutic approved for glioblastoma is temozolomide, which
was developed over 50 years ago and extends survival by only two
months. Temozolomide kills tumor cells by causing DNA damage, a
mechanism that is different from ST compounds. Temozolomide is now
off patent protection, but previously had sales over $1B per year,
so the commercial potential of ST-403 may be significant.
About Pascal Biosciences Inc. Pascal
Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on advancing
innovative approaches for the treatment of cancer including
cannabinoid-based therapeutics and targeted therapies. The
company’s leading cannabinoid portfolio comprises a small molecule
therapeutic, ST-403, that is advancing into clinical trials for the
treatment of glioblastoma, and an immuno-stimulatory molecule. In
addition, Pascal Biosciences is developing a B-cell targeted
antibody for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and an antibody for
calcium channels expressed by the immune system. For more
information, visit www.pascalbiosciences.com.
On Behalf of the Board of DirectorsDr. Patrick W. Gray,
President &CEO
Investors:invest@pascalbiosciences.com
Media Contact: Julie Rathbun Tel: 206-769-9219
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