On August 10, 2022 Peel Therapeutics, an evolutionary-inspired, clinical-stage biotech company developing medicines for cancer and inflammatory diseases reported that it has initiated a first-in-human clinical study of PEEL-224 in patients with advanced solid tumors (Press release, PEEL Therapeutics, AUG 10, 2022, View Source [SID1234618072]). This follows recent acceptance of the company’s Investigational New Drug (IND) Application by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). PEEL-224 was developed from a medicine that originates from the leaves and stem of an ancient tree used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine.
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The company is evaluating PEEL-224, a novel topoisomerase I inhibitor, in a Phase 1 dose escalation, repeat-dose, multi-center, open-label study in patients with advanced solid tumors. The trial will evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary antitumor activity of PEEL-224.
"Building on millions of years of evolution, Peel Therapeutics’ scientists and collaborators have modified this plant compound to overcome chemotherapy cancer resistance," said Joshua Schiffman, M.D., CEO and Co-Founder of Peel Therapeutics. "We are very encouraged by the preclinical data seen in multiple solid tumor types. Our company looks forward to further evaluation of PEEL-224 in patients, bringing us closer to our goal of delivering safer and more effective cancer therapy."
Peel Therapeutics’ first clinical study comes on the heels of closing an $18M convertible note financing last year. The company has raised $30M overall since its start in oversubscribed note rounds and small business grants.
"At Peel Therapeutics, evolution is our platform and patients are our purpose. Our Peel scientists unlock evolutionary biology to treat cancer and inflammation," continued Dr. Schiffman. "With our additional programs also quickly advancing towards the clinic, we are optimistic about our progress. We are pleased to forge ahead with the support of our investors to introduce safer and more effective medicines for patients."
About PEEL-224
PEEL-224 is a small molecule nanoparticle for the treatment of cancer. The active molecule of PEEL-224 derives from camptothecin, a naturally occurring compound found in the Chinese Happy Tree (Camptotheca acuminata) thought to have evolved as a plant defense mechanism. Camptothecin and its derivatives inhibit topoisomerase 1 DNA repair, effectively killing dividing cells with mutations. By engineering the natural molecule and conjugating it with a synthetic polymer, Peel Therapeutics has designed PEEL-224 to improve efficacy while limiting toxicity.