Local biotech Centrose says drug candidates show strong anti-cancer powers
Madison-based biotech Centrose announced that two of its lead drug candidates have demonstrated "potent anti-tumor efficacy" against colorectal and non-small cell lung cancers.
The company, which is developing small molecule drug compounds based on sugar chemistry, said that in animal models the human tumors were shown to undergo complete remission after its drugs were administered.
"We are very pleased with the results as they clearly show how novel sugar chemistry can drastically change drug activity," C. Richard Hutchinson, chief scientific officer, said in a statement.
In addition to these results, recent screening data have also prompted the National Cancer Institute to proceed with canine toxicity studies to further assess these compounds. Their preliminary results show that the toxicity is considerably less than the parent drug Centrose has enhanced.
Centrose said it intends on using the results, along with its other lead programs, to boost company value. CEO James Prudent said the goal would be to fund pre-clinical studies in order to move to the next stage -- studies in people who need better anti-cancer therapies.
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