CTCE-9908 is part of a new generation of anti-cancer drug candidates that have the potential to both stop the spread of cancer (anti-metastasis) and slow the rate of cancer growth (anti-angiogenesis). The target receptor for CTCE-9908, CXCR4, is present on most tumours, including lung, breast, colon, ovarian, bone, brain and skin cancer cells. In experimental animal models, CTCE-9908 reduced cancer metastases by a significant 50-70%.

The patent entitled "Therapeutic Chemokine Receptor Antagonists", with a term lasting to March 2019, covers therapeutics compositions comprising CXCR4 receptor antagonists and builds on a patent granted earlier this year which focused on methods of use of the same compounds. The compositions are proteins that are comprised of amino acid sequences based on the natural human chemokine stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1). The composition claims are further strengthened by reference to specific amino acid substitutions and the method by which active sequences of peptides are linked by a bridging segment. Chemokine scientists have developed hundreds of synthetic peptides using rational drug design with the goal of developing an exciting new generation of drug candidates.

In addition, the Company has received confirmation that its contract manufacturer has successfully scaled up the production of CTCE-9908 in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMP). This new lot of CTCE-9908 will be used for the Company’s Phase Ib/II clinical trials in cancer patients.

Background on CXCR4

Leading cancer researchers have demonstrated that high CXCR4 expression in cancer cells is correlated to tumor progression, high metastasis rate and low survival rate. Blockage of CXCR4 reduces the growth of tumors by reducing blood vessel growth (anti-angiogenesis) which carries vital nutrients to a tumor. The Company has completed a Phase I, dose-escalation clinical trial using CTCE-9908 in the United Kingdom to assess safety in healthy volunteers. CTCE-9908, after a single dose, was demonstrated to be safe and well tolerated by the study subjects.

Source Chemokine Therapeutics Corp.