Oncology-focused drug development company Kazia Therapeutics (ASX:KZA) has announced the publication of positive preclinical data for EVT801, a clinical-stage drug candidate currently in a clinical trial for multiple forms of cancer.
The publication, by Michael Paillasse and colleagues, summarises a large body of preclinical research conducted principally by scientists at Evotec SE and at the University Cancer Institute of Toulouse – Oncopole over a period of several years.
It is now published in Cancer Research Communications, a recently-launched journal published by the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR).
The company said the data formed the basis of its in-licensing of EVT801 from Evotec in 2021 and has since supported the transition of the compound into an ongoing phase I clinical trial in patients with advanced solid tumours.
EVT801 is a selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3).
“EVT801 has been shown to act exactly as intended: by impacting the vasculature in and around the tumour. In addition, the evidence of synergy with immunotherapy is persuasive, and we see a considerable opportunity to combine the drug with immune checkpoint inhibitors in clinical trials,” said Dr Michael Paillasse, lead author of the publication.
“We are grateful that the results of this public-private translational research initiative have been appreciated by the editors and reviewers of Cancer Research Communications. We will now focus on the clinical development,” said Professor Jean-Pierre Delord, co-author and CEO of the IUCT – Oncopole.
“We are delighted to see this exciting and comprehensive body of work now published in a leading peer-reviewed journal,” said Dr James Garner, CEO of Kazia. “The data supports our decision last year to in-license EVT801, and clearly points to the future development strategy for the drug. Our collaboration with the Evotec team has already been extremely fruitful, and we look forward to continuing to work together on this very promising drug candidate.”
