Key Developments in the US Cancer Research Landscape
Cancer drug developers from Australia are making a significant impact at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meeting in San Diego, California. This annual event is a crucial platform for showcasing cutting-edge research and fostering collaborations within the global cancer research community.
Radiopharm Theranostics and Arovella Therapeutics Present at AACR
Radiopharm Theranostics (ASX:RAD) presented preliminary results from its phase I trial of 77Lu-RAD202, a drug targeting solid tumours with the HER2+ mutation. The trial showed “encouraging tumour uptake and a favourable safety profile in the lowest dose cohort.” The drug is being developed for breast, lung, prostate, and brain cancers.
Dr Dimitris Voliotis, the company’s chief medical officer, highlighted that the team expects to see signs of anti-tumour activity at higher, more therapeutic dose levels.
Arovella Therapeutics (ASX:ALA) also participated in the event, presenting in vitro results from its pancreatic and gastric cancer studies. Their approach involves combining CAR-T cells with invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells to enhance potency. The technology targets cancers expressing the CLDN18.2 protein biomarker.
Syntara’s Myelofibrosis Drug Gains Attention
Syntara (ASX:SNT), a developer of myelofibrosis treatments, has received positive feedback from Dr Adam Craig, former CEO of CTI Biopharma. Craig, who was involved in the development of Vonjo (pacritinib), now serves as a strategic advisor to Syntara.
Myelofibrosis is a rare blood disorder with limited treatment options. Craig emphasized that while JAK inhibitors provide symptomatic relief, no current therapy significantly alters the disease’s progression. He believes Syntara’s lead candidate, Amsulostat, offers a differentiated, potentially disease-modifying approach.
However, Syntara faced challenges when the FDA requested additional safety and efficacy data, leading to a revised trial plan involving 90 patients in a phase 2b study.
Orthocell Achieves Near-Breakeven
Orthocell, a wound repair company, reported near-breakeven in the March quarter. The operating cash deficit was reduced from $5.9 million to just $42,000. Revenue surged 45% year-on-year to $3.2 million, driven by sales of its nerve repair agent, Remplir.
The company secured approval for Remplir across US Department of Defense hospital networks, covering 221 centres. With $48 million in cash reserves, Orthocell is well-positioned to sustain operations for 4.6 years at the current run rate.
Monash IVF Rejects Takeover Offer
Monash IVF Group (ASX:MVF) rejected a revised takeover offer from a consortium led by Genesis Capital and Washington H Soul Pattinson. The new offer of 90 cents per share was deemed insufficient compared to recent local IVF transactions. The board noted the appointment of Dr Victoria Atkinson as CEO following a period of instability.
Monash IVF shares dropped by as much as 11% after the rejection. The company remains open to discussions for a change of control transaction at a higher valuation.
Psychedelics Research Receives New Support
Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at accelerating psychedelics research, including funding for compounds like ibogaine and psilocybin. This marks a shift from previous “war on drugs” policies, with the White House allocating $50 million for research into potential applications for PTSD and other conditions.
While the FDA has not yet approved any psychedelic therapies, both US and Australian regulators have supported controlled research pathways. Advocates continue to push for greater recognition of the therapeutic potential of these compounds.
