KVAL: Development of a novel targeted therapy for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer in males in the Western world (about 600,000 in the eight major markets), including in Norway (around 4900 annually). PCa can be cured by surgery or radiation therapy if confined to the prostate; however, about one fourth of PCa diagnoses present as metastatic disease for which the life expectancy is significantly reduced. Although there have been positive developments in the treatment of advanced PCa, there is no definitive treatment, high percentage of resistance development, and a high unmet medical need for more efficient therapies. The current PCa market is worth more than $9,3 billion annually and is expected to reach 12,8 billion in 2028. We have developed a potential novel therapy for PCa by targeting the expression of a gene that is increased in human PCa. We found that the expression of this gene is important for PCa growth, both in cell lines in vitro as well as in PCa models in mice. We then used nanoparticle technology to inhibit its expression. The formulation that we have developed can be injected systemically into mice (intraperitoneal) and is extremely effective in inhibiting PCa tumor growth. In this project, we have optimized this method by identifying more potent formulations. On the basis of these new findings, a provisional PCT patent application was filed, which was then converted into a full patent application in June 2022. These data are the basis for current negotiations with a venture building company for licensing as well as further development efforts, such as through a verification application. Since this gene is involved in other cancers as well, our product may be relevant as a therapeutic tool for multiple cancer types.

Main outcome of this project is a solid proof-of-principle for a novel treatment for PCa, which may be relevant also for other cancer types. We have generated significant data and first filed a priority patent application that was converted into a full patent application in 2022. We have done market analysis to identify potential licensees and are currently in negotiations with a venture building firm from abroad in this regard. Inven2 is managing these business interactions. Further development of a drug is expected either in collaboration/agreement with a licensee and/or through further development through a verification grant that we plan to apply for. We envision that it would be possible to have a preclinical candidate ready towards clinical development in the context of this next phase of the project.