Join our daily newsletter At The Bell to receive exclusive market insights
- Race Oncology reports an apparent step forward in finding treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
- Race’s bisantrene drug – in combination with decitabine – deemed effective in animal models to treat a type of leukemia
- Findings pave the way for clinical trials for new bisantrene formulation (RC220) in combination with oral decitabine
- RAC has been trading at 89 cents
Race Oncology (ASX:RAC) presented some major advancements in the potential treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) at the New Directions in Leukaemia Research conference held this week in Adelaide.
The focus of the presentation was on bisantrene, both as a standalone treatment and in combination with decitabine, a standard therapy for AML.
The research – in conjunction with the University of Newcastle – demonstrated bisantrene’s effectiveness in killing AML cancer cells in both laboratory settings and animal models.
(So far, no human data has made it into any of Race’s reports.)
When used alongside decitabine, another established chemo drug, bisantrene showcased even greater “anticancer” activity, indicating what could be a commercially attractive synergy between the two drugs.
Researchers also identified key cellular pathways targeted by this combination which the company hopes will further solidify the rationale for its use in AML treatment.
These preclinical findings pave the way for clinical trials involving Race’s new bisantrene formulation (RC220) in combination with oral decitabine.
This approach offers a low-intensity treatment option for AML patients, according to Race, which ultimately minimises side effects associated with traditional high-dose chemotherapy.
Race Oncology plans to submit the data from this study for publication in a reputable peer-reviewed journal later in the year.
RAC has been trading at 89 cents.
