PharmAust continues to progress the Phase 2 trial of lead drug monepantel (MPL) in dogs with B-cell lymphoma and there are clear signs it is meeting its objectives.

The trial, which is aimed at proving that MPL can improve quality of life, has already seen two dogs experience a +30% reduction in cancer tumour while another 10 have enjoyed a stable disease response.

PharmAust (ASX:PAA) also highlighted recently the particularly heart-warming tale of 13-year-old Beagle, Louie, who has lived comfortably for a year after being treated with MPL and has not experienced side effects.

It also seems likely that the drug will help dog owners achieve their preference for their beloved pets to have their diseases stabilised and to enjoy a good quality of life for up to eight months rather than surviving for 9-12 months living with side effects from chemotherapy, which includes vomiting, diarrhoea and restriction of pet contact due to toxicity.

To date, the combination of MPL with Prednisone (a cortisone-like medicine used to relieve swelling, redness, itching, and allergic reactions) has extended survival three-fold to a median of 150 days whilst maintaining quality of life.

This appears to be a significant result given that B-cell lymphoma in dogs typically has a poor prognosis and without treatment, many types of lymphoma are fatal within a few weeks.

PharmAust expects the Phase 2 trial to be completed in the first quarter of the current financial year.

Licensing discussions

With a likely positive endpoint to the Phase 2 trial in sight, the company has advanced confidential discussions with potential licensing partners for canine cancer.

This is in line with its strategy of licensing or selling drug applications – such as MPL’s veterinary cancer applications – following commercially valuable Phase 2 outcomes.

Securing a licensing deal will be a significant commercial achievement and provide funding for future clinical trials.

In fact, the canine cancer market is expected to be worth US$170m in 2030, a figure that is easily believable when one considers that 62% of all Australians own at least one pet and that pet humanisation and premiumisation is driving an increase in spend on pet services and pet needs.

 

 

 

This article was developed in collaboration with PharmAust, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

 

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

Read MoreHealth

Featured Companies

You might be interested in