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Biotech company PharmAust Limited is pleased to announce a significant milestone for a four-legged patient in the Phase 2 trial for the treatment of canine B-cell Lymphoma. Thirteen-year-old Beagle ‘Louie’ from New Zealand has surpassed 365 days (one year) as a result of being treated solely with Monepantel (MPL) and showing no side effects while his Quality of Life (QoL) remains excellent.
B-cell Lymphoma in dogs has a poor prognosis.
Unfortunately, without treatment, many types of lymphoma in dogs are fatal within a few weeks. In some cases, the veterinarian may advise palliative care (steroid drugs) to reduce symptoms and possibly extend the survival time for a few weeks. However, even though chemotherapy can offer extended survival (typically around 12 months), it is only palliative and often results in an unacceptable adverse events profile and substantial costs.
“PharmAust’s commercial strategy is to take the middle ground in the treatment of B-cell Lymphoma which is achieved by inducing stable disease for 4 – 6 months with minimal side effects so that the family and the dog can enjoy the limited time together,” said Dr Kim Agnew, Principal Investigator of PharmAust’s MPL drug trial.
“In the current Phase 2 study, 13-year-old Beagle “Louie” has surpassed one year as a result of being treated solely with Monepantel whilst showing no side effects and his Quality of Life (QoL) remaining excellent.”
Louie was diagnosed with Progressive Disease (PD) at the end of his 28-day trial and despite this poor prognosis, Louie achieved 365 plus days of good quality of life.
“Therefore, it appears that dogs given MPL plus prednisolone (or in Louie’s case, MPL on its own) after the 28-day trial period, are living three times longer than expected with good quality of life and no chemotherapy-related side effects,” said Dr Agnew.
“The life expectancy of dogs with B-cell Lymphoma treated with the standard of care (palliative steroid therapy) typically provides for 42-56 days of survival in association with progression. The combination of MPL with prednisolone has extended median survival to these pet dogs of 150 days. More importantly, owner surveys from dogs in the trial indicate an excellent Quality of Life score feedback.”
MPL is already approved for veterinary use for a different indication in food-chain animals. PharmAust is endeavouring to repurpose MPL as a safe and effective cancer treatment without the associated side effects of chemotherapy.
“Despite Louie being with Progressive Disease at Day 28, the ongoing MPL therapy has helped to stabilise further development of the lymphoma since that time. The tumour development slowed and, despite Louis still having evidence of lymphoma, his energy and quality of life remain excellent,” said Dr Agnew.
Louie’s family is grateful for the MPL trial
Louie’s owner Iain Gibson is thrilled that Louie continues to enjoy his walks and “can still manage a decent pace” while sniffing everything in his path.
Dr Roger Aston currently serves as Executive Chairman of PharmAust. Dr Aston brings more than 20 years experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries in senior roles in the UK, Asia Pacific and Australia. He has had extensive experience on boards and as Chief Executive Officer of many private and publicly listed biotechnology companies. During his career, he has been closely involved in start-up companies and major pharmaceutical companies. Aspects of his experience include FDA and EU product registration, clinical trials, global licensing agreements, fundraising through private placements, and a network of contacts within the pharmaceutical, banking and stock broking sectors. Dr Aston holds a B.Sc. (Hons) and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Manchester from 1975 to 1981.
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