Monday December 01 2008 | Biotechnology feed | All feeds

BioPortfolio Biotechnology Pharmaceutical Healthcare Medical Life Science Drug Discovery Disease
  • A-Z

BiotechTracker - Photodynamic Cancer Treatment Appears Promising 
July 08, 2003 Celmed’s (a subsidiary of Theratechnologies, Toronto: TH) Theralux photodynamic cell therapy system has generated reassuring safety and preliminary efficacy profiles in phase I/II clinical investigation for the management of Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Celmed is developing this compelling technology to eradicate leukemic cells in autologous grafts. In April, the FDA granted orphan drug designation for Theralux in CML. 

Given that the recipient of an autologous transplant is also the donor, leukemic patients are at risk for reconstituting their post-chemotherapy bone marrow with cancerous cells. The Theralux system is designed to purge such cells from the autologous graft prior to engraftment. The ex vivo (out of the body) system features the developmental photosensitive compound TH9402 (4,5-dibromorhodamine methyl ester). TH9402 is selectively taken up by cancer cells. When a light source scans the graft, TH9402-containing cells are killed. 

The study’s primary safety endpoint – determination of the maximum tolerated purging intensity – was achieved. At this maximum intensity, Theralux reduced the absolute number of Ph+ cells in the graft, while preserving adequate stem cells for sustained engraftment. Five levels of intensity were assessed in 15 refractory CML patients who lacked a compatible (allogeneic) donor. 11 patients continue to be monitored with an average of 30 months after Theralux administration. 

Theralux is also being assessed for use in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients, and is in preclinical investigation for the prevention of graft-versus-host disease in allogenic transplant patients. Animal studies and mechanistic data (Blood, May 1, 2002; 99(9):3083-8 and Blood, July 15, 2002; 100(2):375-82) demonstrate TH9402’s utility for preventing of graft-versus-host yet preserving graft-versus-leukemia effects. These studies support advancement of Theralux to graft-versus-host disease clinical trials. TH9402’s potential as a purging agent for autologous transplantation in multiple myeloma and breast cancer treatment has also been the topic of compelling preclinical investigation (Photochem Photobiol, Dec 2000; 72(6):780-7). 
DISCLAIMER
The above information transmitted via BioPortfolio has been provided by the original publishers BiotechTracker ("BT") a financial information, news, and software service focusing on event-driven biotechnology and pharmaceutical research. The Service is provided by DPBT, LLC ("DPBT"). a joint venture formed between BT Investor, Inc. and PCS Research Technology, Inc.

It is not guaranteed as to completeness or accuracy by BioPortfolio, the BT publishers, or any person. Such Information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. The Information and views provided by BT are prepared by BT employees and in no way reflect the views or efforts of BioPortfolio Limited., any of BioPortfolio's employees or officers. BioPortfolio, and BioPortfolio's employees and officers, as well as BT’s employees and officers, in no way accept responsibility for any of the BT content published on www.bioportfolio.com/

While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the Information contained herein is presented in good faith, and is not untrue or misleading at the time of publication, BioPortfolio, and BT make no representation as to its accuracy or completeness and it should not be relied upon as such. The Information is supplied on the condition that the reader or any other person receiving the Information will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of the Information. From time to time, BioPortfolio and any officers or employees of BioPortfolio, as well as BT, and any officers or employees of BT, may, to the extent permitted by law, have a position or otherwise be interested in any transactions, in any investments (including derivatives) directly or indirectly the subject of this report. Also BioPortfolio and BT may, from time to time solicit business from any company mentioned in this report. This report is provided solely for the information of viewers of BioPortfolio and/or viewers and subscribers of BT and BioPortfolio information services, who are expected to make their own investment decisions without reliance on this report. Neither BioPortfolio nor any officer or employee of BioPortfolio, nor BT, or any officer or employee of BT, accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages or loss arising from any use of this report or their contents. This report may not be reproduced, distributed or published by any recipient for any purpose without the prior express consent of the publishers. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as conferring by implication, estoppel or otherwise any license or right under any patent, trademark or copyright of BioPortfolio, BT or any third party. 

The value of the investment(s) to which this report relates and their income yield(s) may go up or down. The investment(s) referred to in this report may not be suitable for private investors: if you are in any doubt you should seek advice from your investment advisor. Changes in rates of currency exchange may have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of investments. Statements as to past performance of any investment are not a guide to future performance. The levels and bases of taxation can change, and if you are in doubt you should seek independent professional advice. In some cases it may be difficult for you to sell or realize your investment or to obtain reliable information about its value or the extent of the risks to which you are exposed. 

THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED OF ACCURACY, MERCHANTIBILITY FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE ARE MADE WITH RESPECT TO THIS INFORMATION OR TO ANY EXPRESSED VIEWS PRESENTED IN THIS INFORMATION. 

 

 

Nothing in this website should be used in place of personal medical advice from your own qualified medical practitioner.

All rights reserved. All other trademarks recognized.
Copyright © 1997-2008 - BioPortfolio Limited.