On October 10, 2018 Helix BioPharma Corp. (TSX: HBP), (FSE: HBP) ("Helix" or the "Company"), an immuno-oncology company developing innovative drug candidates for the prevention and treatment of cancer, reported that it has extended its collaboration agreement with Moffitt Cancer Center for an additional year (Press release, Helix BioPharma, OCT 10, 2018, View Source [SID1234530409]).
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During the first year of the collaboration, a new pancreatic adenocarcinoma mouse model suitable for testing L-DOS47 in combination with immunotherapy was developed. Preliminary studies in this model showed that L-DOS47 may increase the activity of a PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor in treating pancreatic cancer. In addition, work was initiated to demonstrate that certain imaging techniques may be useful in directly measuring tumor acidity. Helix is hoping to use this non-invasive technique in the clinic soon.
In year two of the project, work will include not only the study of L-DOS47 in combination with PD-1/PDL1 inhibitors, but also in combination with other drugs in the pancreatic model. Analysis of the immune response that is occurring in the tumor upon L-DOS47 combination treatment will also be characterised. Results from these studies will add to the current understanding of how tumor acidity affects the tumor immune response. Data from these studies will also support Helix’s plan to increase the clinical application of L-DOS47 with various combination treatments, including immunotherapies with checkpoint inhibitors.
"We are strongly encouraged by our preliminary data that this may be an effective approach to improving outcomes to a variety of therapies" said Dr. Robert Gillies, Martin Silbiger Endowed Chair, Moffitt Cancer Center. "We know that tumor acidity is an important contributor to therapy resistance, and thus neutralizing acidity with L-DOS47 should have a positive effect in combination with chemotherapies and immune checkpoint blockade".
"This years’ Nobel prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded for the discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation." said Heman Chao, Ph.D., Chief Executive & Scientific Officer of Helix. "We are very excited to work with the Moffitt team in applying L-DOS47 in immunotherapy and we look forward to using L-DOS47 with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the clinic which could result in significant benefits to patients."