Altamira Therapeutics Files Second Provisional Patent Application for OligoPhore Nanoparticles Targeting Different KRAS Mutations in Cancer Treatment
- The polyKRASmut siRNA has been shown to knock down at least 65-91% of KRAS mutations in colorectal, non-small cell lung, and pancreatic cancer cell lines.
- The second provisional patent application aims to provide broad coverage of different KRAS mutations in human cancer treatment with nanoparticles developed as AM-401.
- The combination of polyKRASmut siRNA with Altamira's OligoPhore platform can direct its delivery to the tumor and tackle many different KRAS mutations, potentially making it a more effective treatment for severe types of cancer.
- None.
Insights
The recent advancements by Altamira in targeting KRAS mutations with their polyKRASmut siRNA is a significant development in the field of oncology. KRAS mutations are a notorious contributor to the pathogenesis of various cancers, including colorectal, non-small cell lung and pancreatic cancers. The ability to knock down a wide spectrum of these mutations could represent a major therapeutic breakthrough. The in vitro efficacy ranging from 65-91% in knocking down mutations is promising, potentially offering a more comprehensive treatment option compared to existing therapies that target a single mutation. This broad-spectrum approach could be particularly beneficial in addressing tumor heterogeneity and the emergence of resistant cancer cell subpopulations.
Furthermore, the use of Altamira's OligoPhore platform for targeted delivery to the tumor could enhance the specificity of treatment, reducing off-target effects and improving tolerability. This specificity is crucial in reducing the systemic toxicity often associated with cancer treatments. The development of AM-401 nanoparticles also highlights the growing importance of RNA-based therapies in oncology, which may offer advantages over traditional small molecule inhibitors in terms of precision and reduced side effects.
Altamira's filing of a second provisional patent application indicates a strategic move to solidify its intellectual property and competitive position in the biotechnology market. The in vitro data supports the potential for AM-401 to treat multiple KRAS-driven cancers, which could translate into a significant clinical impact given the prevalence of these mutations across various cancer types. The comparison with existing small molecule inhibitors, which are limited to targeting the G12C mutation, underscores the potential for AM-401 to address a larger patient population.
From a research perspective, the robustness of the preclinical data will be critical for advancing AM-401 through the clinical development pipeline. The next steps will likely include further preclinical studies to assess the safety profile and efficacy in vivo, followed by clinical trials to evaluate the therapeutic benefits in patients. The success of these studies will be pivotal in determining the market potential of AM-401 and its impact on Altamira's valuation.
The announcement by Altamira could have a substantial impact on the market for cancer therapeutics, particularly in the niche of KRAS mutation-targeted treatments. Given that current treatments are limited to targeting a single KRAS mutation, the development of a therapy with the capability to address multiple mutations could disrupt the market and capture significant market share. The potential for better tolerability and fewer side effects with AM-401 suggests a favorable competitive advantage, which could influence prescribing patterns and insurance coverage decisions.
Investors and stakeholders should monitor Altamira's progress closely, as successful development and subsequent approval of AM-401 could lead to substantial revenue growth for the company. The long-term implications for Altamira's stock performance hinge on the clinical trial outcomes and the ability to scale production and distribution to meet global demand, should AM-401 prove to be effective and gain regulatory approval.
HAMILTON, BERMUDA, Jan. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
- Altamira’s polyKRASmut siRNA shown to knock down at least 65
-91% of KRAS mutations in colorectal, non-small cell lung, and pancreatic cancer cell lines - Fresh experimental data expected to strengthen Altamira’s intellectual property around its AM-401 nanoparticles for the treatment of KRAS-driven cancers
HAMILTON, BERMUDA, Jan. 24, 2024 -- Altamira Therapeutics Ltd. (Nasdaq: CYTO) ("Altamira" or the "Company"), a company providing nanoparticle-based technology for efficient RNA delivery to extrahepatic targets, today announced that it has filed a second provisional patent application with the United States Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) to provide broad coverage of different KRAS mutations in human cancer treatment with nanoparticles comprising the Company’s OligoPhore™ platform and a single siRNA sequence, polyKRASmut. The nanoparticles are developed by Altamira as AM-401.
The second provisional application contains in vitro data confirming the ability of polyKRASmut siRNA to knock down a broad range of KRAS mutations in cancer cell lines. These mutations include G12C, G12V, G12D, G12R, G12A, and A146T, which account for
“We are very pleased to observe the latest data on our polyKRASmut siRNA confirming its ability in knocking down several KRAS mutations known to drive some of the most severe types of cancer” commented Covadonga Pañeda, Ph.D., Altamira Therapeutics’ Chief Operating Officer. “By combining the polyKRASmut siRNA with our OligoPhore platform we can direct its delivery to the tumor and tackle with one single compound many different KRAS mutations. This combination aims to not only treat cancers harboring different KRAS mutations but also addresses some of the escape mechanism developed by these tumors that make them less responsive to small molecule KRAS-directed therapies. Additionally, we expect that AM-401 will be better tolerated than small molecule-inhibitors as it specifically targets the tumor-affected organ without affecting healthy tissues. We are excited about advancing our AM-401 program to provide clinicians and patients with a comprehensive treatment option for KRAS-driven cancers.”
Altamira expects the second provisional patent application to further strengthen its intellectual property around the AM-401 program, under which the Company is aiming to develop a treatment for KRAS-driven cancers. Previous in vitro and in vivo work demonstrated efficient uptake of OligoPhore nanoparticles with KRAS-targeted siRNA in CRC and PDAC cells, strong inhibition of KRAS expression, reduced viability of tumor cells, and significant reduction in tumor growth and volume.2 Importantly, a murine model demonstrated the capacity of the OligoPhore platform to drive targeted delivery of the nanoparticles specifically to tumor cells. Altamira intends to file for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA in 2025 and to partner the program upon an IND grant or following a phase 1 clinical trial.
The KRAS gene encodes one of the RAS proteins, that control – like an “on / off switch” – cell growth, maturation, migration, and death. Through mutations, the RAS proteins can be rendered persistently active, causing cancer cells to proliferate and spread in the body. Mutations of KRAS are associated with poor prognosis in several cancers, and there is a substantial body of evidence supporting the role of KRAS in the initiation and maintenance of cancer. Mutated forms of KRAS are found in one-fifth of all human cancers, including
Although the role of KRAS mutations in cancer has been known for decades, they have remained a challenging target for therapeutic interventions. KRAS was long considered undruggable, in part, because of the lack of obvious binding sites. Only recently, the FDA approved the first two treatments for KRAS-driven cancer: sotorasib and adagrasib, two small molecule inhibitors of G12C-mutated KRAS for the treatment of NSCLC.
About Altamira Therapeutics
Altamira Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CYTO) is developing and supplying peptide-based nanoparticle technologies for efficient RNA delivery to extrahepatic tissues (OligoPhore™ / SemaPhore™ platforms). The Company currently has two flagship siRNA programs using its proprietary delivery technology: AM-401 for KRAS driven cancer and AM-411 for rheumatoid arthritis, both in preclinical development beyond in vivo proof of concept. The versatile delivery platform is also suited for mRNA and other RNA modalities and made available to pharma or biotech companies through out-licensing. In addition, Altamira holds a
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Contact
Investor Contact:
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1 Based on Huang et al. (2021), KRAS mutation: from undruggable to druggable in cancer, Sig Transduct Target Ther 6: 386. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-021-00780-4
2 Strand et al. (2019), Precision delivery of RAS-inhibiting siRNA to KRAS driven cancer via peptide-based nanoparticles, Oncotarget 10(46): 4761-75.
3 Simanshu et al. (2017), RAS proteins and their regulators in human disease, Cell 170(1):17-33.
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