MultiCell Technologies, Inc. announced the updated preclinical research results for MCT-465 and MCT-485. MCT-485 showed in vitro dose-effect cytotoxicity on several human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. MCT-485 induced robust TNFalpha and some IL-6 expression.

In contrast, MCT-465 showed no cytotoxicity or anti-proliferative effect. The research results support further mechanistic and in vivo studies exploring the safety, effectiveness and utility of MCT-465 and MCT-485 as novel therapeutic agents as a treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma and other cancers. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer and a cause of cancer death.

Current pharmacological approaches for the treatment of human HCC are very limited in their efficacy. A potential role for non coding double stranded RNAs such as MCT-465 and MCT-485 in the control of tumors has recently emerged in a variety of models with recognition of their ability to stimulate an immune response or directly affect cell death. MCT-465 and MCT-485 are the first of a family of prospective cancer therapeutics based on the use of patented TLR3 signaling technology.

MCT-465 and MCT-485 are in preclinical development, and are being investigated as prospective treatments for primary liver cancer and triple negative breast cancer. MultiCell owns rights to several issued U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications related to MCT-465 and MCT-485. MCT-465 is a high molecular weight synthetic dsRNA (polyA:polyU, of 70bps) with immune enhancing properties.

The mechanism of action of MCT-465 is pleiotropic and mediated by RNA sensors such as TLR3, 7/8, MDA-5 and RIG-I - expressed by antigen presenting cells and select cases, by tumor cells: Induction of pro-inflammatory, immune enhancing cytokines locally and systemically; Anti-angiogenic effects through a local exposure to IL-12 /IFNgamma; In select cases, direct pro-apoptotic anti-tumoral effect. MCT-485 is a low molecular weight synthetic dsRNA (polyA: polyU of 5bps) with direct tumor cytolytic properties. The mechanism of action of MCT-485 is pleiotropic yet distinct from that of MCT-465: Induction of tumor cell death upon direct exposure, while normal cells are minimally affected.

Production of TNFalpha by cancer cells resulting in amplified tumor cell death and a localized immune reaction that has the potential to generalize and curb progression of metastatic cancer.