Zelda Therapeutics (ASX:ZLD) has entered into a collaboration with the Perth-based Telethon Kids Institute.
The collaboration will initially focus on pre-clinical testing of Zelda’s compounds, formulations and protocols in the area of children’s brain cancer.
It will be confined to pre-clinical research accessing the Institute’s validated cell and animal models for the studies.
Through the research, the Institute will examine the potential for Zelda’s compounds to act as anti-cancer agents, either alone or in combination with existing treatments. The initial studies are due to commence in early 2017 with results expected later in the year.
The research will consist of a series of experiments designed within scientific protocols to produce a comprehensive data pack that can be used as the basis for any future clinical trials either in Australia or in other geographies.
The collaboration and studies build on the company’s pre-clinical research activities at
Complutense University Madrid with renowned researchers Professor Manuel Guzmán and
Professor Cristina Sánchez.
The company said the collaboration with the Telethon Kids Institute demonstrates its strong momentum towards conducting rigorous pre-clinical and clinical studies aimed at validating the anecdotal patient responses to medical cannabis observed to date, to produce industry standard data packs and trial data.
Zelda said it intends to source the cannabinoid research material via a supply agreement with AusCann Group Holdings Ltd, which has a partnership with the world’s largest medical cannabis cultivator and processor - Canadian group Canopy Growth Corporation.
According to Executive Chairman, Harry Karelis, “Zelda was established to conduct a series of pre-clinical and clinical activities to determine whether positive anecdotal experiences observed in patients in California can be reproduced in a controlled laboratory and clinical setting. We are excited to be partnering with the Telethon Kids Institute in the important area of childhood cancer. Positive results from these studies have the potential to lay the foundations for improved treatment outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients.”