April 1, 2022

New cancer drug formulations to be tested in Wollongong labs

UOW and IHMRI researchers look to improve delivery methods of anti-cancer drug Zantrene®

Researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW) and the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) will soon be undertaking pre-clinical evaluation of new Zantrene^® formulations designed by Race Oncology as part of a new research collaboration.  

The program will be led by Professor Marie Ranson from UOW’s Molecular Horizons in partnership with Race Oncology’s Principal Scientist, Professor Michael Kelso, a former UOW academic and IHMRI affiliated researcher.

Professor Ranson is an esteemed cancer biologist based at IHMRI, with extensive experience in drug development and formulation.    

“This is an exciting and valuable collaboration for Race as we develop new Zantrene^® formulations and expand our pipeline. We are very much looking forward to working with Professor Ranson on this important program,” says Race Oncology’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Daniel Tillett.

Race Oncology is developing new Zantrene^® formulations that offer the potential for long-acting peripheral (IV) administration in an outpatient setting. Current administration of Zantrene^® requires the use of a central venous catheter in a hospital setting. While this is standard practice for the delivery of many chemotherapy drugs, longer-acting and more patient-friendly routes of administration are desirable.

The collaboration also aims to advance development of formulation approaches that could allow Zantrene^® to be delivered orally.

“Zantrene^® shows immense promise as an effective new cancer drug, the opportunity to work with Race to develop new drug formulations that could translate into tangible benefits for cancer patients is extremely exciting,” says Professor Ranson.

About Race Oncology

Race Oncology is an ASX listed precision oncology company with a Phase 2/3 cancer drug called Zantrene^®.

Zantrene^® is a potent inhibitor of the Fatso/Fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) protein. Overexpression of FTO has been shown to be the genetic driver of a diverse range of cancers. Race is exploring the use of Zantrene^® as a new therapy for melanoma and clear cell renal cell carcinoma, which are both frequent FTO over-expressing cancers.

In breakthrough preclinical research, Race has also discovered that Zantrene^® protects from anthracycline-induced heart damage, while in tandem acting with anthracyclines to improve their ability to target breast cancer. Race is evaluating this discovery.

The Company also has compelling clinical data for Zantrene^® as a chemotherapeutic agent and is in clinical trial in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML).

Race is pursuing outsized commercial returns for shareholders via its ‘Three Pillar’ strategy for the clinical development of Zantrene^®.

Learn more at www.raceoncology.com