STOCKHOLM 16 October 2017. Karolinska Development today announces that the portfolio company Aprea Therapeutics AB has enrolled the first patient in a Phase 1b/2 study with the drug candidate APR-246 for the treatment of esophageal cancer.
Aprea develops novel anticancer compounds reactivating the tumour suppressor protein, p53. This is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancer, occurring in approximately 50% of all human tumours. p53-mutations are associated with resistance to anticancer drugs and poor overall survival.
The clinical phase 1b/2 study will evaluate APR-246 in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil for the treatment of platinum-resistant advanced and metastatic esophageal cancer. The study is sponsored by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Australia, and funded by the Victorian Government Department of Health and Human Services through the Victorian Cancer Agency.
"The initiation of this phase 1b/2 study expands the potential use of APR-246 to yet another indication area, which increases the value of the project and reduces the risk. We will continue to follow Aprea's broad development program with a keen interest", says Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development.
APR-246 is since earlier being evaluated in a phase 2 study in patients with platinum sensitive ovarian cancer. The results from this study are expected during 2018. Moreover the drug candidate is being evaluated in clinical studies in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and myelodysplastic syndrome.
For further information, please contact:
Viktor Drvota, CEO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 73 982 52 02, e-mail: viktor.drvota@karolinskadevelopment.com
Christian Tange, CFO, Karolinska Development AB
Phone: +46 73 712 14 30, e-mail: christian.tange@karolinskadevelopment.com
TO THE EDITORS
About Karolinska Development AB
Karolinska Development AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: KDEV) is a Nordic life sciences investment company. The company focuses on identifying breakthrough medical innovations in the Nordic region that are developed by entrepreneurs and leadership teams. The Company invests in the creation and growth of companies that advance these assets into commercial products that are designed to make a difference to patients' lives while providing an attractive return on investment to shareholders.
Karolinska Development has access to world-class medical innovations at the Karolinska Institutet and other leading universities and research institutes in the Nordic region. The Company aims to build companies around scientists who are leaders in their fields, supported by experienced management teams and advisers, and co-funded by specialist international investors, to provide the greatest chance of success.
Karolinska Development has established a portfolio of nine companies targeting opportunities in innovative treatment for life-threatening or serious debilitating diseases.
The Company is led by an entrepreneurial team of investment professionals with a proven track record as company builders and with access to a strong global network.
For more information, please visit www.karolinskadevelopment.com
