PharmAust’s (ASX:PAA) Beagle patient surpasses one year on MPL

• PharmAust’s (PAA) patient, Louie the Beagle, surpasses one year of treatment with the company’s Monepantel (MPL) drug
• The clinical-stage biotechnology company reported the “significant milestone” for its patient in the phase two trial for the treatment of canine B-cell Lymphoma
• In PharmAust’s current phase two study, the 13-year-old beagle, surpassed 365 days after being treated solely with MPL, showing no side effects
• PharmAust is now working to repurpose MPL as a safe and effective cancer treatment without the associated side effects of chemotherapy
• PAA is up 2.53 per cent, trading at 8.1 cents at 1:41 pm AEST

PharmAust’s (PAA) patient, Louie the Beagle, has surpassed one year of treatment with the company’s Monepantel (MPL) drug.

The clinical-stage biotechnology company reported the “significant milestone” for its patient in the phase two trial for the treatment of canine B-cell Lymphoma.

B-cell Lymphoma in dogs is known to have a poor prognosis, and without treatment, many forms of the disease can be fatal within a matter of weeks.

PharmAust reported its commercial strategy is to take the “middle ground” in the treatment of B-cell Lymphoma, by inducing a stable disease for up to six months with minimal side effects, so that the family and the dog can enjoy their remaining time together.

In PharmAust’s current phase two study, a 13-year-old Beagle, Louie, has surpassed 365 days as a result of being treated solely with MPL, showing no side effects, while his quality of life remains “excellent”.

PAA suggested dogs given MPL and prednisolone – or, in Louie’s case, MPL on its own – after the 28-day trial period can live three times longer than expected with good quality of life and no chemotherapy-related side effects.

Louie’s owner Iain Gibson said Louie still enjoys his walks and “can still manage a decent pace” while sniffing everything in his path.

“Mealtimes are Louie’s favourite part of the day and his second favourite thing is cuddles,” he said.

“Louie also attends doggy daycare two days a week and loves to chill out with his pack at home, quite happy doing nothing as long as he has someone to do nothing with.”

Mr Gibson also reported that the trial was the best decision that could have been made for Louie.

“He deserved a break after the other issues with his knees and spleen he’s had over the years.”

MPL is already approved for veterinary use for a different indication in food-chain animals.

PharmAust is now working to repurpose MPL as a safe and effective cancer treatment without the associated side effects of chemotherapy.

PAA was up 2.53 per cent, trading at 8.1 cents at 1:41 pm AEST.