Lantern Pharma Reaches Milestone in Developing Molecular Diagnostic for Oncology Trials with LP-184

Lantern Pharma, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company listed on NASDAQ under the ticker LTRN, has made substantial progress in developing a diagnostic tool for its drug candidate LP-184. This innovative diagnostic instrument utilizes quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) technology to measure PTGR1 RNA levels in tumor samples, which could predict a patient's sensitivity to LP-184. Lantern aims to refine and validate this assay for use in selecting patients for advanced clinical trials encompassing a broad array of solid tumors that have demonstrated responsiveness to LP-184.

Lantern Pharma's research has confirmed the importance of PTGR1 as a biomarker for optimizing patient selection based on their potential tumor sensitivity to LP-184. LP-184 is positioned as a precision oncology drug candidate with the capability to target multiple solid tumors. This validation is an essential step toward creating a companion diagnostic tool and a stratification mechanism to aid in targeted patient selection. Lantern plans to collaborate with central laboratories and cancer centers to further develop and validate the qRT-PCR assay for patient selection and stratification in clinical settings.

A pivotal publication by Parker et al. in Cancer Medicine, titled "Does biomarker use in oncology improve clinical trial failure risk?" emphasizes the significant role of biomarkers in enhancing the success rates of oncology clinical trials. The study highlighted a marked improvement in trial outcomes when biomarkers were incorporated, notably in breast cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer. These findings underscore the potential benefits of integrating the PTGR1 biomarker into the LP-184 development strategy.

Lantern Pharma's research indicates that PTGR1 levels are elevated in certain cancer cells compared to normal cells. Leveraging this biological activity, Lantern aims to target cancer types most likely to respond to LP-184. A recent publication in Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, co-authored with Fox Chase Cancer Center, provided compelling evidence that the potency of LP-184 correlates directly with higher PTGR1 expression. Cancer cell lines lacking PTGR1 expression remained unaffected by LP-184, further validating PTGR1 as a predictor of drug efficacy.

According to Panna Sharma, CEO of Lantern Pharma, this development is a major step forward in their precision oncology approach. By developing a companion diagnostic for LP-184, Lantern is not only advancing a drug candidate but also paving the way for more personalized and effective cancer treatments. The planned utilization of biomarkers like PTGR1 in clinical trials reflects Lantern's dedication to data-driven, patient-centric drug development.

Lantern Pharma's commitment to integrating advanced technology with drug development is evident in their approach. By combining AI-driven insights with sophisticated diagnostic tools, the company aims to accelerate the drug development process and enhance patient outcomes. Lantern plans to implement this assay in upcoming clinical trials for LP-184, potentially streamlining the development process and increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes.

LP-184, a novel therapeutic in clinical development, is being explored for the treatment of malignant gliomas, pancreatic cancer, and atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT). It has received Orphan Drug Designation and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation from the FDA, highlighting its potential for treating rare and challenging cancer types.

Lantern Pharma's integration of AI and machine learning through their RADR® platform has significantly expedited the development of their oncology drug pipeline. Their innovative approach has reduced the time and cost associated with bringing new therapies from initial insights to clinical trials. Lantern's pipeline includes multiple cancer indications, with a market potential exceeding $15 billion USD, aiming to deliver life-changing therapies to cancer patients globally.