Race Oncology Limited announced that it has entered into a collaborative preclinical research program with The University of Newcastle. Eminent melanoma cancer researchers, Professor Xu Dong Zhang and Associate Professor Lei Jin will lead the project. The aim of this project is to explore the use of Bisantrene as a novel treatment for melanoma using cellular and mouse models to identify drug combinations that improve melanoma treatment, with a focus on treatment resistant cancer patients. Bisantrene has recently been identified as a potent targeted inhibitor of the Fat Mass and Obesity associated protein (FTO) . Previous studies have observed that FTO is over produced in approximately 50% of metastatic melanoma cancers and the inhibition of FTO can overcome PD-1 immune checkpoint resistance in mouse models of melanoma . While there have been major improvements with melanoma treatment in recent decades, the five-year survival rate for advanced melanoma is still as low as approximately 25%. Race is pursuing Bisantrene therapies targeted at inhibiting FTO in both melanoma and clear cell renal cell carcinoma, as part of its Three Pillar strategy. This work could lead to new melanoma treatments with improved safety and efficacy especially in treatment resistant cancers. The results of this study will support Phase II human trials of a Bisantrene in melanoma, currently scheduled to begin in Australia in early 2022. This project is to start immediately with results expected to be reported over the coming 12 months.