juni 30, 2022

Ectin Research AB shows positive preliminary data on further application of MFA-370

On 23 June 2022 Ectin Research announced positive preliminary data from its research with the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. The aim of the research was to investigate in human experimental models whether Ectin’s combination therapy MFA-370, in addition to treating metastatic urothelial bladder cancer, could also be used in the treatment of additional cancer indications. A study was performed in a preclinical model for peritoneal carcinomatosis, i.e. cancer that has spread to the peritoneum.

Ectin has previously shown in preclinical studies that MFA-370 has anti-proliferative (growth inhibitory) effects and induces specific cancer cell death when tested against urothelial bladder cancer cells as well as breast, colon and prostate cancer cells. Together with the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Ectin has now conducted preclinical studies to investigate whether the company’s cancer therapy MFA-370 could potentially also be used for the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC).

In advanced stages of colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum), tumour cells can spread to the peritoneum and cause PC. The growth and spread of tumour cells further into the peritoneum is usually associated with a grave prognosis. The currently available treatment is not suitable for all patients as it is advanced, time-consuming and associated with many side effects. Moreover, the treatment effect is limited. Consequently, the need for alternative treatments is great. Preliminary data from experimental models now show that MFA-370 can reduce adhesion of tumour cells to the peritoneal surface. This may be a step in the right direction towards a new follow-up indication for MFA-370. Further studies are now planned to investigate the issue further.