Patrys cancer antibody binds to two targets

Research into Patrys’s (ASX:PAB) anticancer candidate PAT-SM6 suggests that the antibody can bind to two different cancer targets and is more effective in the presence of both.

Lab studies show that PAT-SM6 can bind to both an isoform of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) - found on the surface of most cancer cells but not normal tissue - and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

The research from scientists at Patrys, the University of Melbourne and the Bio21 Institute was the subject of a recent scientific article published in the Public Library of Science journal.

The report shows that GRP78 and LDL compete for binding on the PAT-SM6 antibody. PAT-SM6 interacting simultaneously with both targets also triggered cancer cell death in a more dramatic manner than PAT-SM6 binding to GRP78 alone.

“This unique mechanism of action, not used by any other known cancer therapy, further strengthens PAT-SM6’s profile as an effective anticancer agent,” Patrys CEO Dr Marie Roskrow said.

The research was conducted by Patrys, University of Melbourne’s Associate Professor Geoff Howlett and the Bio21 Institute’s Dr Terry Mulhern. The collaboration is being supported by an Australian Research Council grant.

While PAT-SM6 has potential applications in a wide range of cancer types, clinical trial efforts are so far concentrating on melanoma and multiple myeloma.

Last month, Patrys published the results of laboratory studies suggesting that PAT-SM6 is synergistic with common drugs used in current multiple myeloma treatment regiments, including Revlimid, Velcade and Dexamethasone.

Patrys shares were trading 33.33% higher at $0.032 as of around 12.30 pm on Monday.