ThromboGenics wins funding to further develop drug to treat low platelet count
ThromboGenics, a Belgian biotechnology company focused on innovative treatments for eye disease, vascular disease and cancer, has been awarded a grant of up to b3.2m for the continued development of its Anti-VPAC1 (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/Pituitary Adenylyl Cyclase-Activating Peptide Receptor 1) antibody for the treatment of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).
ThromboGenics, a Belgian biotechnology company focused on innovative treatments for eye disease, vascular disease and cancer, has been awarded a grant of up to b3.2m for the continued development of its Anti-VPAC1 (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide/Pituitary Adenylyl Cyclase-Activating Peptide Receptor 1) antibody for the treatment of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).
The grant from the Institute for the promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders (IWT) is based on the successful completion of a series of development milestones over the next three years.
The funding will support development of Anti-VPAC1, which is expected to begin clinical trials in 2011.
Thrombocytopenia is a common, severe side-effect of chemotherapy used in cancer patients, when the number of platelets in the patient's blood is lower than normal. The patient is then at risk of bleeding and severe haemorrhage because their low platelet count prevents their blood from clotting normally
Research undertaken by ThromboGenics with the University of Leuven has shown that the inhibition of VPAC1-mediated signalling could stimulate the production of platelets.
Dr Patrik De Haes, chief executive of ThromboGenics, said: Results to-date suggest that the inhibition of VPAC1 could represent a major advance in treating thrombocytopenia experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This would be a very significant improvement in their standard of care and could potentially lead to better treatment outcomes."