Promising Results from a New Generation of Antiangiogenic Drugs

A recombinant protein and its peptide derivative have been found to be potent inhibitors of blood vessel formation and form the potential for a new family of anticancer drugs.

Methods for treating cancer by blocking the development of new blood vessels, which tumors require for growth and expansion, have been under investigation for a long time. However, a recent study conducted by investigators at Queen's University (Belfast, United Kingdom) and Almac Discovery Ltd. (Craigavon, United Kingdom) has taken this concept in a new direction.

The investigators began by studying a recombinant form of the protein FKBPL (FK506 binding protein like). They found that this protein was a potent blocker of angiogenesis in multiple in vitro and in vivo model systems. Furthermore, they were able to isolate and then synthesize a 24-amino acid peptide (AD-01) that was responsible for the antiangiogenic activity.

Results published in the March 1, 2011, issue of the journal Clinical Cancer Research revealed that AD-101 was potently antiangiogenic, and that it inhibited tumor growth in two mouse xenograft models (DU145 and MDA-231) when administered systemically.

Senior author Dr. Tracy Robson, professor of pharmacy at Queen's University, said, "By understanding the antiangiogenic potential of the natural protein, FKBPL, we have been able to develop small peptide-based drugs that could be delivered to prevent tumor growth by cutting off their blood supply. This is highly effective in models of prostate and breast cancer. However, this also has the potential for the treatment of any solid tumor and we are excited about continuing to work with Almac Discovery as this drug enters clinical trials.”

AD-101 is currently in the final stages of preclinical development. Dr. Stephen Barr, president of Almac Discovery said, "This is a first class example of a collaboration between a university and industry to produce a novel approach to cancer therapy that has a real chance of helping patients.”

Related Links:
Queen's University
Almac Discovery Ltd.