Archeus Technologies in Madison and WARF are launching a clinical trial this year for a targeting molecule used in treating prostate cancer.
The organizations yesterday announced the plans to further develop ART-101, a receptor-based targeting molecule developed at UW-Madison’s Advanced Radiotheranostics lab. It’s designed to deliver radioactive isotopes within the body as part of a targeted treatment approach.
ART-101 has been tested in preclinical studies that found it demonstrated “significantly higher tumor uptake and retention” than an existing prostate cancer treatment, according to the announcement. Phase 1 of the clinical trial process will begin this year.
Evan Sengbusch, CEO of Archeus Technologies, is touting the company’s close ties to the university and expertise in bringing new drugs to market. He notes the targeting molecule is part of its portfolio of therapies for cancers that are “particularly challenging” to treat.
“With strong preclinical data supporting the continued development of ART-101, Archeus is eager to lead the evaluation of this novel candidate through first-in-human studies,” he said in a statement.
The molecule was created with support from the WARF Accelerator program, which helps inventors advance commercially viable technologies and other breakthroughs.
Jeanine Burmania, senior director of intellectual property and licensing at the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, notes ART-101 has “significant potential” to advance the field of theranostics. This approach involves diagnostics and therapeutics, typically using radioactive drugs, to find and treat cancer.
“Encouraging preclinical data suggest that ART-101 could help increase lifespan and be more effective in treating prostate cancer than current therapies,” Burmania said in a statement.
See the release and listen to an earlier podcast with Laura Strong, a strategic advisor for Archeus Technologies.
