Oncotelic Therapeutics Shares Groundbreaking Discovery In Pediatric Brainstem Tumors Demonstrating Potential For New Cancer Immunotherapy Treatments
Detroit, Michigan
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February 21, 2024 08:20 AM Eastern Standard Time
Oncotelic Therapeutics (OTCQB: OTLC), a therapeutics company with a focus on cancer and viral infection treatments, recently published a foundational discovery in pediatric brainstem tumors. The study showed that levels of two specific molecules – Transforming Growth Factor Beta 2 (TGF-B2) and Interferon Gamma Receptor 2 (IFNGR2) – in the tumor environment of children with diffuse midline gliomas (DMG) can significantly impact their overall survival. IFNGR2 is an important part of the body's immune system and helps fight against cancer. High expression of TGF-B2 in patients with low IFNGR2 reduced median survival from 13 months to only 7 months. Therefore, suppressing TGF-B2 with a drug called OT-101 could enhance the immune system's ability to fight tumor growth and improve survival. This finding could have implications for new cancer immunotherapy treatments.
"In light of our foundational discovery that elevated levels of TGF-B2 worsen mortality in various cancers, including Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG), we have further elucidated the underlying mechanisms, particularly focusing on the impact of TGF-B2 on interferon signaling. We hope that sharing these findings from our research team will contribute to the eradication of cancer," shared Dr. Vuong Trieu, CEO and Chairman of Oncotelic.
Oncotelic has been involved in developing many cancer and viral infection treatments, including for COVID-19. The company currently has five drug candidates in its pipeline and recently unveiled a state-of-the-art GMP Manufacturing Plant through its joint venture- Sapu Biosciences LLC. The facility is situated in San Diego’s biotechnology hub. This plant will help with the expansion of the drug OT-101, among others.
OT-101, also known as Trabedersen, is being developed for the treatment of various types of cancer, including brain cancer in adults and a specific type of childhood brain cancer called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). OT-101 is an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide that targets TGF-B2, which is commonly found in cancer cells.
As Oncotelic’s study found, cancer cells often overexpress TGF-B2, which dampens the body's immune response to the cancer. The company has received pediatric designation from the FDA specifically for the treatment of DIPG in children. This drug has shown promising results in early clinical trials for pancreatic cancer, melanoma and glioblastoma, demonstrating both efficacy and safety.
Oncotelic’s partnership with Sapu Biosciences has a common goal of being a global leader in the research, development and commercialization of innovative therapies focusing on
conditions with extreme unmet medical needs, especially age-related diseases. This is evident in the drug pipeline with its focus on cancers like DIPG, which is highly aggressive and difficult to treat. Approximately 300 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with DIPG each year.
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