The publication, by Michael Paillasse and colleagues, summarizes a large body of preclinical research conducted principally by scientists at
EVT801 is a selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3). VEGFs and VEGFRs are well-validated cancer drug targets with multiple FDA-approved products directed to them, but a more selective VEGFR3 inhibitor, such as EVT801, may result in better tolerability and less development of resistance to therapy. EVT801 was confirmed in preclinical studies to be a potent and selective inhibitor of VEGFR3, with activity in the low nanomolar range. The drug was shown to inhibit the formation of lymphatic vessels in vitro, confirming its intended primary mode of action. In vivo (animal) experiments showed EVT801 to be more active than both pazopanib (Votrient, Novartis) and sorafenib (Nexavar, Bayer) in the tumor models under investigation. EVT801 combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors in mouse models of several tumor types showed strongly synergistic activity, with the combination performing better than either drug alone. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are widely used in many cancers, and the class includes drugs such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda,
These data demonstrate the substantial potential of EVT801 as a cancer therapeutic,' stated Dr Michael Paillasse, lead author of the publication. 'EVT801 has been shown to act exactly as intended: by impacting the vasculature in and around the tumor. In addition, the evidence of synergy with immunotherapy is persuasive, and we see a considerable opportunity to combine the drug with immune checkpoint inhibitors in clinical trials.'
We are grateful that the results of this public-private translational research initiative have been appreciated by the editors and reviewers of
We are delighted to see this exciting and comprehensive body of work now published in a leading peer-reviewed journal,' said Dr
Phase I Clinical Trial Progressing
EVT801 is currently the subject of an ongoing phase I clinical trial as monotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors (NCT05114668). The study is progressing as planned, with patients currently being dosed within the anticipated therapeutic range. It is expected that initial data from this study will be available in 1H CY2023.
Contact:
Tel: +61 411 117 774
About
Our lead program is paxalisib, a brain-penetrant inhibitor of the PI3K / Akt / mTOR pathway, which is being developed to treat multiple forms of brain cancer. Licensed from
Paxalisib was granted Orphan Drug Designation for glioblastoma by the
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, which can generally be identified as such by the use of words such as 'may,' 'will,' 'estimate,' 'future,' 'forward,' 'anticipate,' or other similar words. Any statement describing Kazia's future plans, strategies, intentions, expectations, objectives, goals or prospects, and other statements that are not historical facts, are also forwardlooking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: the timing for results and data related to Kazia's clinical and preclinical trials, and Kazia's strategy and plans with respect to its programs, including paxalisib and EVT801. Such statements are based on Kazia's expectations and projections about future events and future trends affecting its business and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, including risks and uncertainties: associated with clinical and preclinical trials and product development, related to regulatory approvals, and the related to the impact of global economic conditions. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in Kazia's Annual Report, filed on form 20-F with the
(C) 2022 Electronic News Publishing, source