ImmuPharma enters oncology with cancer drug for multiple indications

Drug discovery and development company, ImmuPharma has, as part of its ongoing research collaboration with the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), obtained the rights for worldwide development and commercialization of a drug candidate for cancer.

The molecule, IPP-204106, has a dual mechanism of action, acting both in preventing angiogenesis as well as proliferation. IPP-204106 is a nucleolin antagonist, the lead molecule in a family of pseudopeptides designed to block the activity of a protein called nucleolin. Located essentially in the nucleus of normal cells where it is protected, nucleolin is much more abundant at the surface of the cells which are proliferating as well as the surface of active endothelial cells where it can be a target for antagonist peptides.

Cell surface expressed nucleolin is involved in the proliferation processes as well as in cell transformation. It is also a receptor for many growth factors and plays a key role in angiogenesis. Nucleolin antagonists have therefore both anti-angiogenic and anti-proliferative properties. Preclinical data have shown that nucleolin antagonists inhibit the growth of tumours and metastasis in many cancer types. They prevent the implantation of tumours and block angiogenesis. They also inhibit the proliferation of certain types of leukaemia cells.

Based on the mechanism of action, nucleolin antagonists are active as long as surface nucleolin is present, irrespective of the type of cancer. Preliminary data have also shown the absence of toxicity. In addition to their efficacy as stand-alone agents, nucleolin antagonists may also have a use as selective carriers for cytotoxic drugs and the company has filed patents accordingly.

ImmuPharma is planning to complete the formal preclinical development this year with a Phase I expected to start by the year-end. Dr Robert Zimmer, ImmuPharma's chief scientific officer, explained: "Most drugs for cancer are very toxic by default. IPP-204106 is a peptide-like molecule and is not expected to show serious toxicity. If we were to assume that proliferation, adhesion and angiogenesis can be blocked without major safety issues a tremendous achievement in cancer treatment will be obtained."

ImmuPharma has research operations in France and Switzerland dedicated to the development of novel drugs, largely based on peptide therapeutics

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