Australian cancer-focused epigenetics company EpiAxis Therapeutics has announced a collaboration with Canada's largest and leading research hospital, the University Health Network (UHN), to study a new approach to prostate cancer treatment.
As part of the agreement, EpiAxis Therapeutics will supply its lead peptide candidates for assessment in UHN's prostate cancer models, with the aim of dramatically enhancing the ability to improve the treatment and survival of men with lethal prostate cancer (CaP).
EpiAxis Therapeutics CEO Dr Jeremy Chrisp said that while next-generation genomic technologies have deepened the understanding of prostate cancer development and evolution, they have arguably reached a therapeutic plateau.
"Most FDA-approved indications are for established targets in earlier disease states, rather than novel targets," said Dr Chrisp.
"Our first-in-class assets have dual action and target dormant chemotherapy-resistant cells while also improving the immune response against the persisting cells.
"EpiAxis is very pleased to be supplying our lead peptides candidates to UHN in hope of accelerating innovation in the treatment of CaP."
Dr Hansen He, a senior scientist at UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, will be leading the project utilising EpiAxis' lead peptide candidates.
Dr He's research program focuses on understanding epigenetic mechanisms underlying cancer development, progression and therapy response, with the aim of identifying epigenetic biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
"We are excited to collaborate with EpiAxis to target epigenetic regulator LSD1 in advanced prostate cancer. This leverages our deep understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms and the potent effect of LSD1 peptide inhibitors developed by EpiAxis," said Dr He.
