Amplia (ASX:ATX) has reported the publication of a key paper in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances that shows pre-treatment with a FAK inhibitor improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy in a preclinical model of pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer, with a low survival rate.
Amplia said that as part of the preclinical studies led by Professor Paul Timpson at Garvan Institute of Medical Research, mice implanted with human pancreatic cancer tissue were pre-treated with a FAK inhibitor, prior to undergoing standard chemotherapy treatment.
“The results showed that by pre-treating mice with FAK inhibitors, cancer cells became more vulnerable to the effects of chemotherapy, reducing both pancreatic cancer growth and spread by up to 50%,” it said, adding, “By
putting a stop to the communication between pancreatic cancer cells and their environment, this research may improve efficiency of chemotherapy for patients.”
The company said the publications “paves the way” for Amplia’s Phase 2 clinical trial of AMP945, set to commence in the first quarter of 2021.
“This latest study from our collaborators at the Garvan is particularly exciting as it replicates the approach that we are taking to treat first-line pancreatic cancer patients in our recently announced Phase 2 trial. We believe that making an established standard of care, namely chemotherapy with gemcitabine/Abraxane, more effective offers a promising approach for improving the outcomes for these patients,” said Amplia CEO Dr John Lambert.
