Journal Reveals LB-100 Enhances Immune Detection of Colon Cancer Cells

LIXTE Biotechnology Holdings, Inc., a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, has announced promising new pre-clinical findings regarding their lead compound, LB-100. These results, published in EMBO Reports, show that LB-100 can transform immunologically inactive tumors into active ones, potentially improving the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments.

The research, conducted by collaborators at the Netherlands Cancer Institute, is detailed in a paper titled “The Phosphatase Inhibitor LB-100 Creates Neoantigens in Colon Cancer Cells through Perturbation of mRNA Splicing.” The study demonstrates that LB-100 disrupts the normal RNA splicing process in cancer cells, leading to the generation of neo-antigens. These neo-antigens are then presented to the immune system, making previously "cold" tumors more susceptible to immune system attacks.

Bas van der Baan, CEO of LIXTE, emphasized that this discovery further supports their ongoing clinical trials combining LB-100 with checkpoint immunotherapy for lung and ovarian cancer. The ability of LB-100 to convert microsatellite stable colon cancer cells into tumors that can be recognized by the immune system indicates a significant potential to increase the number of colon cancer patients benefiting from immunotherapy. LIXTE is planning additional clinical tests to explore this concept further.

The recently published manuscript, which is a peer-reviewed version of an earlier preprint on bioRxiv.org, provides direct evidence that the neo-antigens generated by LB-100 are presented within the context of MHC class I antigens to the immune system. The research team, led by Professor René Bernards of the Netherlands Cancer Institute and Oncode Institute, highlights this novel mechanism of action for LB-100.

LIXTE Biotechnology Holdings, Inc. focuses on developing new cancer therapies by targeting previously unexplored aspects of cancer cell biology. Their lead clinical compound, LB-100, is a first-in-class PP2A inhibitor that has shown promise in preclinical data and is well tolerated by cancer patients at effective doses. LB-100 is part of a novel approach known as activation lethality, which represents a new treatment paradigm in cancer therapy. LIXTE holds an extensive patent portfolio covering this innovative approach and is conducting proof-of-concept clinical trials for various cancers, including colon, small cell lung, and sarcoma cancers.

The company's progress in this area is crucial for expanding treatment options and improving outcomes for cancer patients. However, it is essential to note that the Company's forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. These include regulatory policies, available resources, research outcomes, and market factors, all of which could impact the actual results.

LIXTE remains committed to advancing their research and clinical trials, with the goal of bringing new, effective cancer therapies to market. The ongoing studies and future clinical tests will further determine the potential of LB-100 in enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy and broadening the scope of patients who can benefit from these advanced treatments.