US Patent for Novel Therapeutic Thymectacin

Description and Advantages

NewBiotics Inc announced the issuance of U.S. Patent 6,245,750 for its novel therapeutic Thymectacin (NB1011), covering composition and use against certain cancers, including colon, breast and gastric cancer. Drug-resistant colorectal cancer is the first indication to be tested for Thymectacin. The drug is expected to enter clinical trials late this year at the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Southern California Cancer Centers. NewBiotics and Elan Corp. plc have formed a joint venture to develop and commercialize Thymectacin in the United States, Canada and Europe.

The patent adds to NewBiotics' intellectual property portfolio for its ECTA (Enzyme Catalyzed Therapeutic Activation) technology applied to the problem of drug resistance in both cancer and infectious disease.

"Current cancer therapies often lead to drug-resistant tumors and toxicity to patients," said Dr. Dennis Slamon, chief of hematology and oncology at the UCLA Cancer Center. "NewBiotics' ECTA technology exploits enzymes overexpressed in cancer cells, and will hopefully result in the preferential killing of the diseased cells with minimal toxicity to the patient."

Area Of Application

Therapeutic Thymectacin (NB1011) is used against certain cancers, including colon, breast and gastric cancer.

Source

Pharmabiz, 28th June, 2001