ASX-listed PharmAust continues to receive positive news from the ongoing Phase IIb trial of its “Monepantel” anti-cancer drug trial on dogs. The clinical-stage oncology company said the interim analysis of its drug trial provided further supportive evidence of the blood plasma levels of the Monepantel drug required to suppress B-cell lymphoma growth in pet owner’s dogs.
The latest positive news comes after the company recently unveiled results from trials that showed “minimal side effects” on dogs that were administered with Monepantel.
PharmAust’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Richard Mollard said: “As per the previous high-dose trial using monepantel tablets, a range of drug blood plasma levels was again observed in this lower dose trial, but this time all within a narrower spread. Examination of the blood plasma data in the context of the previous trial, while referencing side effects and efficacy, has reinforced our understanding of a target therapeutic window for monepantel’s use in dogs with B cell lymphoma. The Phase IIb trial will continue to increase recruitment numbers to gain sufficient information for a future Phase III registration trial.”
PharmAust said the knowledge of the indicative optimal plasma level would allow the company to target the therapeutic dose and optimise treatment levels to maximise efficacy.
The company said it plans to continue to recruit more dogs to study in order to obtain more evidence for efficacy and to support what it calls the Phase III registration trial.
PharmAust’s Chairman, Dr Roger Aston said: “This represents a material advance in optimising the treatment regimen for canine patients with B-Cell lymphoma and may have applicability to other anti-cancer treatments in companion animals and in humans.”
“Cancer therapy is all about optimising efficacy and minimising adverse events and this is particularly important with aggressive late-stage cancers such a Stage 4/5 B-Cell lymphoma. Following a Phase III trial PharmAust will also examine how monepantel can be integrated into the current standard of care.”
Lymphoma is a relatively common cancer diagnosed in dogs, with symptoms including enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, weight loss and loss of appetite.
With human clinical trials not too far away, PharmAust said it has already commenced production of a form of the drug suitable for human consumption.
Whilst evidence suggests its drugs will help in the fight against lymphoma, PharmAust also says Monepantel might be demonstrating some COVID-busting anti-viral protection against cell death.
Now that would make for an interesting if unexpected outcome.
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By Matt Birney
