Biosceptre develops targeted antibodies for cancer treatment

Biosceptre has announced that it is about to clinically trial the use of targeted antibodies as a method to treat cancer.

At a Sydney conference held on 24 January, it was revealed that the company has identified a receptor found only in cancer cells. Furthermore, this receptor is present across a range of cancers, meaning the same antibody could be used against all these types.

Biosceptre has developed such an antibody, designed to find the target and kill the cancer cells. This was achieved with the help of world-renowned molecular biologist Sir Gregory Winter, who has been pivotal in creating the methods used to develop therapeutic antibodies. He is now the Chair of Biosceptre’s Scientific Advisory Board.

Speaking at the conference, Sir Gregory said that while antibodies have been traditionally used against bacteria and viruses, the potential has now been realised for their use against human targets, such as cancers and immune disorders. Antibodies have several advantages over traditional small molecules - they escape filtration by the kidneys, bind tightly to the target, discriminate between it and similar cells, and can block the interaction of protein surfaces.

Dr Cliff Holloway, CEO of Biosceptre, explained how the company identified P2X₇, a major cellular receptor responsible for normal programmed cell death. But subtle structure change renders P2X₇ non-functional (nf-P2X₇). It is this form which is present in cancer cells and which Biosceptre’s antibodies will target.

Biosceptre is currently working with colleagues at the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN). AIBN aims to make higher affinity antibodies, making them more human-like. Sir Gregory has previously worked on humanising animal antibodies, transferring the tips of mouse antibodies onto those of humans.

The antibody has already been made in sheep and tested on an ad hoc basis with patient consent. But Sir Gregory noted that despite promising results, large pharmaceutical companies expect proper preclinical trials as opposed to anecdotal evidence if the product is to develop further. Antibody development is complex and expensive, and a lack of funding has made this difficult for Biosceptre. The company recently secured $8 million to use in developing an ointment for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers. This year they hope to raise another $15 million.

To find out more about Biosceptre and nf-P2X₇, visit www.biosceptre.com.