PharmaGap data shows PhGalphal slows cancer growth without toxicity

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., Jan. 25 - PharmaGap Inc. released the first animal efficacy data for its novel lead drug compound, PhGalpha1, according to a company news release. Results showed that the time to establish and grow multi-drug resistant colon cancer more than doubled, there was a delay in establishment of metastatic breast cancer, and breast cancer tumors were rendered benign.

PhGalphal is a selective inhibitor of Protein Kinase C-alpha (PKC-alpha).

PKC-alpha is associated with intracellular signaling processes, including cell growth, survival and apoptosis (normal programmed cell death). PKC-alpha has been linked to tumor formation and cancer's ability to develop immunity to cytotoxic chemotherapy, or multi-drug resistance (MDR), in some cancers, said the company.

PhGalpha1 was administered to 50 mice in 72 hour cycles over periods of up to 75 days with no evidence of toxicity.

The effect of PhGalpha1, administered singly or in combination, was analyzed using xenografts - human cancer cells grown on host mice bred without an immune system - using CD1 outbred 'nude' mice.

The rate of establishment and subsequent growth of solid tumors were observed in each test group and compared to a control group which received no treatment.

The results of this test are consistent with earlier in vitro tests showing that PhGalpha1 has a significant impact in reducing the degree to which MDR arises in chemotherapy treatment.

"These tests with PhGalpha1 in nude mice are the first in a series of animal studies, which will continue in 2006," PharmaGap chief scientific officer, Dr. Jenny Phipps, said in the release. "We are delighted with the results of this first study that confirm the efficacy and low toxicity of this compound."

PharmaGap Inc. based in Ottawa, Ont., is a biotechnology company that develops novel therapeutic compounds for the treatment of cancer.

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