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Pro-Pharmaceuticals' DAVANAT Showcases Promise in Cancer Treatment

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Cancer patients may benefit from a novel carbohydrate polymer developed by Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc. DAVANAT targets Galectin receptors over-expressed on cancer cells, potentially increasing survival rates and reducing side effects. Preliminary results from clinical trials suggest that combining DAVANAT with chemotherapy or biologics can extend median survival and decrease adverse reactions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pro-Pharmaceuticals' DAVANAT targets Galectin receptors on cancer cells, which play a crucial role in tumor progression and immune evasion.
  • Dr. Pierre van der Bruggen's team at the Ludwig Institute in Brussels, Belgium, demonstrated that blocking Galectin-3 can improve the efficacy of T cells in fighting cancer.
  • Clinical trials showed that DAVANAT, in combination with 5-FU, extended median survival to 6.7 months for end-stage colorectal cancer patients, with significantly reduced side effects compared to standard care.
  • Patients treated with DAVANAT experienced fewer serious adverse side effects and required less hospitalization.
  • Pro-Pharmaceuticals is designing a Phase III superiority trial to further validate the effectiveness of DAVANAT, which will be part of their NDA submission to the FDA.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 100 cancer patients have been administered DAVANAT to date.
  • The Phase II trial for end-stage colorectal cancer patients showed a 6.7-month median survival rate with DAVANAT + 5-FU, compared to 4.6 months for standard care.
  • Patients treated with DAVANAT experienced a 30% reduction in serious adverse side effects compared to those receiving standard care.

Sources:

  • "Galectins," Chapter 7, Wiley, 2008
  • Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
  • The Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Fund for Cancer Research
  • Immunity, Science, Cancer Research, Journal of Experimental Medicine, The Journal of Immunology (Dr. Pierre van der Bruggen's academic journal publications)
  • Pro-Pharmaceuticals' website (www.pro-pharmaceuticals.com)
  • NewsRx.com, Cancer Vaccine Week (2010)

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