The presence of metastases is the leading cause of cancer-related death. Despite advances in targeted cancer therapies, blocking the formation of metastases is still an unmet therapeutic need. A study led by the biotech company BCN Peptides and the Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders group at Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), both CataloniaBio & HealthTech members, has demonstrated the efficacy of a new drug, the synthetic peptide RA08, to reduce the formation of metastases in childhood and breast cancer. The work has been published in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences.
"In the framework of this collaborative work, the company BCN Peptides has designed and is developing a new peptide drug, called RA08, aimed at interfering with the binding between ITGA9 and ADAM proteins to block the invasion of metastatic cells to other organs. Based on the key role of ITGA9 in the occurrence of metastasis, we have evaluated the effect of inhibiting this protein using the peptide RA08", explains Dr Berta Ponsati, CEO of BCN Peptides. RA08 is patented under PCT/EP2020/083987.
For the first time, this work has demonstrated in preclinical models that pharmacological inhibition of ITGA9 with the peptide RA08 significantly reduces metastasis formation, improving survival in mouse models of rhabdomyosarcoma and neuroblastoma, as well as breast cancer. The three types of tumors share the common feature that, although they generally have a high survival rate, this is greatly reduced when patients develop metastases.
The researchers also emphasize that RA08 does not present toxicity, since it does not affect cell proliferation or cause toxicity in preclinical models. In a therapy for the prevention of metastasis, having few side effects is key to ensuring success.
"Based on the results obtained, ITGA9 inhibition could be a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent the establishment of metastases in different tumor types. If RA08 was administered with standard therapies, it could improve patient survival", conclude Dr Josep Roma, principal investigator of the Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders group at VHIR and Dr Berta Ponsati.
Photo: BCN Peptides team
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