Cancer therapy developer Invion (ASX:IVX) has released data showing a new formulation of its Photosoft technology is significantly more efficient at killing ovarian cancer cells.
Invion and its research partner, Australia’s Hudson Institute of Medical Research, revealed the new data at a major biochemistry and molecular biology conference, ComBio 2018, in Sydney.
Researchers compared the efficacy of four photosensitisers used in photodynamic therapy, including Photosoft Oral and a new formulation of Photosoft called IVX-P02, in in vitro tests against ovarian cancer cells.
One of the main findings was that IVX-P02 had a 15-fold greater in vitro cytotoxicity (toxic to cells) against ovarian cancer cells, compared to Photosoft Oral, said the company.
Photosoft and IVX-P02 also showed enhanced cytotoxicity in vitro compared to the two commercially available photosensitisers: Talaporfin and Temoporfin.
Invion chief executive Dr Greg Collier said the latest data validates Invion’s continued development of the Photosoft compound.
“The new version of Photosoft, IVX-P02, has a greatly improved ability to kill cancer cells, even more so than its predecessors – that's an important finding,” said Dr Collier.
“This data lays the groundwork for ongoing preclinical trials of Photosoft and IVX-P02 as an indication for chemo-resistant, solid ovarian tumours, which will be completed this year.
“We are making good progress and could move to clinical trials early next year.”
Dr Collier said Invion’s licence partner, The Cho Group, will fund the global research and development costs for these programs.