Rutherrin Shows Full Response in Lung Cancer Preclinical Trials

Theralase® Technologies Inc., a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in Toronto, has announced significant progress in its research with a noteworthy breakthrough in the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Using its lead drug formulation, Rutherrin®, the company has shown promising results in an animal model.

The research utilized a well-established Lewis Lung Cancer (LLC1) orthotopic model to simulate NSCLC. In this model, lung cancer cells are implanted into mouse lungs, leading to the development of aggressive and metastatic lung tumors. The study divided the mice into two groups: one treated with x-ray radiation alone and the other with x-ray activated Rutherrin®.

The results were striking. The mice treated with x-ray activated Rutherrin® exhibited a reduction in tumor progression by up to four times compared to those treated with radiation alone. This was assessed through Computerized Tomography (CT) scans which measured tumor volumes. The data indicated a significant delay in tumor growth in the Rutherrin® treated group (p<0.001).

Further strengthening these findings, the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed a notable increase in the overall survival rate of the mice treated with the combination therapy. The median survival rate increased from 26 days in the radiation-only group to 35 days in the group receiving x-ray activated Rutherrin®. In practical terms, one mouse treated with Rutherrin® showed a complete response, with no detectable cancer remaining, as confirmed by CT scans.

Dr. Arkady Mandel, the Chief Scientific Officer of Theralase®, expressed optimism about these findings. He highlighted that this initial success in eradicating lung cancer in the animal model is a positive step towards broader applications. The company is now focused on optimizing this therapy to achieve complete responses in a higher percentage of subjects. Theralase® aims to bring this technology to market, expanding its focus beyond bladder cancer to include brain cancer, lung cancer, and various blood-based cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

Roger DuMoulin-White, President and CEO of Theralase®, emphasized the company's progress in developing advanced systemic and targeted therapies for hard-to-treat cancers. With sufficient funding and the completion of a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) toxicology analysis for Rutherrin®, the company plans to initiate clinical studies for brain cancer, lung cancer, and various blood-based cancers. If proven safe and effective in humans, this approach could revolutionize cancer treatment paradigms.

Lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer death globally, remains a critical area of focus. Despite aggressive treatments, many patients succumb to metastatic disease. The overall 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is about 26.6%, varying by type and stage. NSCLC accounts for approximately 85% of lung cancer cases.

Theralase® Technologies Inc. continues to dedicate its efforts to the research and development of light and/or radiation-activated small molecule compounds. The company’s primary objective is to ensure the efficacy and safety of these compounds in the destruction of various cancers, bacteria, and viruses. This recent breakthrough signifies a promising advancement in the fight against cancer, potentially offering new hope for patients worldwide.