Nyrada Shares Surge with Preclinical Cancer Drug Success
Nyrada (ASX:NYR) has seen its shares rise by up to 22% following the announcement of early-stage success with its cancer drug, Xolatryp. The drug is also noted for its cardioprotective properties. In a preclinical liver cancer model, Xolatryp demonstrated “clear anti-tumour activity” both as a monotherapy and in combination with the chemotherapy agent doxorubicin.
The combination treatment showed the greatest reduction in tumour volume, with a 57% decrease compared to the control group. This cohort also showed a 39% improvement in anti-tumour activity relative to doxorubicin alone. As a monotherapy, Xolatryp achieved a 32% reduction in tumour volume.
Xolatryp distinguishes itself by inhibiting transient receptor potential canonical ion channels, which are key in regulating cancer progression. The study involved induced mice being administered subcutaneously with either Xolatryp, the Xolatryp-doxorubicin combo, or a placebo.
Nyrada CEO James Bonnar stated that the clinical proof of concept results support the potential of Xolatryp to improve therapeutic outcomes in cancer patients treated with anthracycline drugs. Additionally, Nyrada is conducting an adjunct preclinical cardiomyopathy study to assess Xolatryp’s ability to mitigate doxorubicin-associated cardiac injury.
Patrys Tackles Delirium
Patrys (ASX:PAB) is preparing for a phase I trial to tackle delirium, having booked trial sites and a clinical research organisation (CRO). The company has appointed CMAX to conduct the phase Ia bridging study, assessing safety and tolerability aspects. Alithia Life Sciences will provide clinical trial management and oversight.
Delirium is a sudden, severe state of mental confusion and altered awareness, often temporary and treatable. Patrys’ candidate RLS-2202 is a proprietary injectable formulation of quetiapine, commonly sold under the Seroquel brand name. It complements Patrys’ core antibody deoxymab platform, which targets immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
CEO Dr Samantha South said RLS-2202 is designed to address the significant unmet need for delirium treatment in acute care settings. Subject to approvals, the company remains on track for first participant dosing in the 2026 September quarter.
Alterity Firms MSA Credentials
Alterity Therapeutics (ASX:ATH) reported further phase II data analysis of its motor system atrophy (MSA) drug candidate, ATH434. The study showed that ATH434 slowed functional decline, measured by the standard unified multiple system atrophy rating scale (UMSARS).
In January last year, Alterity reported a “statistically significant improvement” on UMSARS functions, including daily living measures. Having received positive feedback from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the company is preparing a phase III trial. The company expects an end-of-phase II chit-chat with the agency mid this year.
Dr David Stamler, Alterity chief, said the data continues to strengthen the evidence that ATH434 could be the “first disease-modifying treatment for MSA, a rare and devastating disease with no approved therapy.”
Optiscan Pockets Tax Refund
Medical imaging innovator Optiscan (ASX:OIL) has pocketed a research and development tax refund of over $1.69 million. Relating to the 2024-25 year, the cash comes through the Federal Government’s research and development tax incentive program.
Optiscan received $1.77 million in the 2023-24 year. A leader in confocal laser endomicroscopy, Optiscan has developed digital pathology and precision surgery hardware and software. These enable live optical biopsies and non-destructive, three-dimensional, in-vivo digital imaging at the single-cell level.
At the end of the March quarter, Optiscan had healthy cash of $15.12 million, having expended $2.42m on furthering multiple programs. These include a large breast cancer study at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. The trial road tests Optiscan’s Invue (precision surgery) and Inform (digital pathology) tools.
During the quarter, the trial completed 17 of the 50 planned cases. This keeps the company on track for a planned FDA entreaty in the second half of calendar 2026. Meanwhile, the company has started a head and neck cancer clinical study at Perth’s St John of God Murdoch Hospital.
Mach 7 in Speedy US Client Win
Mach7 Technologies (ASX:M7T) shares have surged almost 20% after announcing a major US client win. The company has signed up the American Radiologist Network (AMRADNET) for a five-year subscription to use Mach 7’s Eunity Viewer tool.
The initial contract is worth $1.7 million, based on a minimum of 675,000 studies (images) per annum. But Mach 7 expects volumes to exceed one million studies over the five years. A teleradiology company, AMRADNET connects certified US radiologists with healthcare facilities for remote imaging interpretation and reporting.
Mach 7 says the rollout should complete in five days, a “significant reduction” on the company’s typical 12-month deployment timeline.
More EBR Systems Customers Get WISE
Heart device innovator EBR Systems’ (ASX:EBR) US rollout has ticked up another beat, with the company signing a three-year purchasing agreement with the ninth-largest hospital network in the land. The deal with Christus Health means EBR’s WISE leadless pacemaker can be rolled out across the client’s network of 66 hospitals.
A Catholic not-for-profit group, Christus employs more than 15,000 clinicians and mainly is located in Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico. The company expects the signings to lead to more wins across the US not-for-profit and ‘faith based’ health system.
No Acquisition Brush-off for SDI
The NSW Supreme Court approved the acquisition of dental products supplier SDI (ASX:SDI) by Beijing Guoci Kebo Technology Co. In early March, Guoci Kebo said it would acquire the 54-year-old family-run entity for $1.40 a share, valuing the local manufacturer at $166.4 million.
SDI shares gained nine cents or 7.2% after the news. Shareholders vote at a scheme meeting on June 20, with the takeover effective from July 6. The stock will be delisted on July 7, leaving investors without a dental stock to get their teeth into.
