Jul 16 2009
Champions Biotechnology, Inc. (OTCBulletinBoard: CSBR), a company engaged in the development of advanced preclinical platforms and tumor specific data to enhance the value of oncology drugs, has established a collaboration with Do-Coop Technologies Ltd. of Israel for development of a more soluble form of SG410, its Benzoylphenylurea (BPU) sulfur analog compound. SG410, an in-licensed compound, is the first agent in Champions' drug development pipeline. Using Neowater((R)), a novel proprietary water-based nanotechnology, Do-Coop has been able to improve the solubility and activity of SG410.
SG410 is an antimitotic inhibitor that was shown in Biomerk Tumorgraft models to target microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT) deficient tumors with promising results as compared to a currently marketed and leading chemotherapeutic drug. These antimitotic inhibitors target MAPT (Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau) deficient tumors. In both in vitro and in vivo models, SG410 has demonstrated promising activity against prostate and pancreatic cancer.
"We are excited to work with this innovative technology that enables us to move SG410 into Biomerk Tumorgraft testing and determine its optimal clinical application," said Doug Burkett, Ph.D., President of Champions Biotechnology, Inc. "We expect to have early Biomerk Tumorgraft results for SG410 by the end of 2009. Also, following nearly a year of efforts to build our oncology drug pipeline we expect to in-license additional drugs in the near future; SG410 is anticipated to be the first of many in-licensed compounds to enter Biomerk Tumorgraft evaluation. Our Biomerk Tumorgraft technology enables identification of the most promising development path for the compound in terms of indication, drug combination, and target patient populations. Studies suggest that evaluations of compounds through Biomerk Tumorgrafts will lead to more efficient and successful clinical development."
Under the terms of the agreement, Do-Coop will receive development milestones and royalties based upon the clinical success of the compound. "We are delighted to work with Champions and its groundbreaking Biomerk Tumorgraft platform," said Eran Gabbai, President and CTO of Do-Coop. "This technology should change the way in which cancer drugs are developed."
Champions Biotechnology, Inc. is engaged in the development of advanced preclinical platforms and tumor specific data to enhance and accelerate the value of oncology drugs. The Company's Preclinical Platform is a novel approach based upon the implantation of primary human tumors in immune deficient mice followed by propagation of the resulting engraftments (Biomerk Tumorgrafts(TM)) in a manner that preserves the biological characteristics of the original human tumor. Early studies suggest that unlike traditional xenografts, these Tumorgrafts closely reflect human cancer biology and their response to drugs is predictive of clinical outcomes in cancer patients. Champions Biotechnology leverages its preclinical platform to evaluate drug candidates and to develop a portfolio of novel therapeutic candidates. As drugs progress through early stage development, the Company plans to sell, partner or license them to pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology companies, as appropriate. The Company also offers its predictive preclinical platform and tumor specific data to physicians for personalized patient care and to companies for evaluation of oncology drugs in models that integrate prognostic testing with biomarker discovery.