A1M Pharma, who develops and commercializes medical applications based on the endogenous protein A1M, has selected kidney protection in connection with radiation therapy for cancer (PRRT) as the first indication for their work within acute kidney injury (AKI).
The aim is to be able to increase the radiation dose in order to fight the cancer more effectively.
PRRT (Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy) is a form of molecular targeted therapy which is used as treatment for cancer, commonly neuroendocrine tumours spreading quickly in the body in the gastrointestinal tract or the lungs in people suffering from the disease. A radioactive substance that targets the cancer cells is administered to the patient, binds to the tumour cells and kills them.
“Kidney protection in connection with PRRT treatment of malignant tumours is a cost-effective way forward within acute kidney injury, with breakthrough potential within a limited but important and highly vulnerable patient group. In addition, we see significant synergies both pre-clinically and in phase one with our prime indication preeclampsia. Based on this strategic choice, there are also promising opportunities for including additional radiation therapies with significantly greater market potential going forward. The selection of indication is also an important step in the process of identifying partners for the continued development of the project”, says A1M Pharma’s CEO Tomas Eriksson.
An unwanted side-effect of PRRT treatment is that the radioactive substance not only binds to the tumours but also ends up in the kidneys which inevitably mean that the patient is at high risk of suffering from serious kidney injuries. By treating the patient with A1M Pharma’s candidate drug ROSGard™ (also known as RMC-035) simultaneously with the PRRT, the aim is to protect the kidneys which open up the possibility of increasing the radiation dose or the number of treatments in order to fight the cancer quicker and more effectively.
The selection of the PRRT indication is based on the knowledge of ROSGard™ and its mechanism of action together with the opportunity to improve the cancer care that this entails. In addition, there is potential to obtain prioritized status by the regulatory authorities in Europe and the US.
A1M Pharma is currently seeking partnerships for the continued development work. The company’s budget and operating costs are not affected by the selection of the PRRT indication. The ongoing collaboration with Phenos GmbH in Germany – within acute kidney injury – continues.
