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Pacific Pharmaceuticals to Study Photodynamic Therapy Compound BOPP in Brain Cancer

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Pacific Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is set to commence a human safety study of its photodynamic therapy compound BOPP in patients with malignant brain cancer, following the US FDA's acceptance of the Company's Investigational New Drug application. The 25-30 patient clinical study will be conducted at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia under the supervision of Professor Andrew Kaye, a renowned expert in cerebral cancer treatment. Preclinical data suggest that BOPP is highly selective for tumor cells and requires a low level of light for activation, potentially making it more effective and requiring shorter procedure times compared to existing photodynamic agents. The Company believes that BOPP may be effective in targeting metastatic brain cancer nests that are difficult to detect or treat.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pacific Pharmaceuticals will conduct a human safety study of BOPP in patients with malignant brain cancer, with 25-30 participants.
  • The study will be conducted at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia under the supervision of Professor Andrew Kaye.
  • BOPP has shown preclinical efficacy in targeting tumor cells and requiring a low level of light for activation.
  • The Company believes that BOPP may be effective in targeting metastatic brain cancer nests embedded in the periphery of the primary tumor.
  • BOPP is a water-soluble, readily formulated stable compound that can be easily reconstituted for intravenous administration.
  • Photodynamic therapy utilizes a combination of light-activated drugs and non-thermal light to destroy cancer cells with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
  • Pacific Pharmaceuticals is also developing two additional cancer therapies: Benzyl Guanine (BG) and a cancer immunotherapy program.

Statistics:

  • 25-30 patients will participate in the clinical study of BOPP.
  • The study will be conducted at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia.
  • The Company has already received acceptable Investigational New Drug (IND) application from the US FDA.
  • BOPP requires a low level of light for activation, potentially making it more effective and requiring shorter procedure times.
  • Pacific Pharmaceuticals is also developing two additional cancer therapies: BG and a cancer immunotherapy program.

Sources:

  • Pacific Pharmaceuticals, Inc. press release, April 22, 1998.
  • Pacific Pharmaceuticals, Inc. registration statement on Form S-3, as declared effective on September 4, 1997.
  • PR Newswire, "Pacific Pharmaceuticals Commences Human Safety Study of Photodynamic Therapy Compound BOPP in Brain Cancer" (http://www.prnewswire.com).

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