The Australian start-up WarraPharm Pty Ltd. will commercialize a suite of anti-cancer reformulations developed by researchers at the University of Wollongong (UOW), Australia. WarraPharm develops proprietary reformulations that seek to reduce the side effects of widely prescribed anti-neoplastic agents. Working with the UOW’s commercialization partner, UniQuest, WarraPharm secured an exclusive license for the IP surrounding its lead reformulation, Fluorodex, and other reformulations. A team led by John Bremner, PhD, emeritus professor at UOW’s School of Chemistry, and Philip Clingan, MBBS, UOW clinical professor and director of medical oncology in the Cancer Care Centre at Wollongong Hospital, developed the technology, which combines 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin — two of the most commonly prescribed anti-cancer agents — into Fluorodex.
In preclinical testing, the reformulation achieved comparable outcomes to current standard-of-care chemotherapies with fewer side effects. “Adverse events associated with colorectal cancer treatment, such as peripheral neuropathy, phlebitis, hand-foot syndrome, and sepsis are particularly unpleasant for patients,” explains WarraPharm researcher Tamantha Stutchbury, PhD. “The latest toxicity and safety data has shown Fluorodex to have a significantly reduced adverse event profile. This suggests treatment outcomes could be improved because patients would be less likely to have to interrupt or discontinue their chemotherapy.” The company expects the Fluorodex formulation to enter clinical trials late next year.
In addition, Houston, TX-based RadiaDyne is using a prostate cancer treatment device developed by UOW researchers to enhance its prostate immobilizer balloon system. The RadiaDyne system, which supports adaptive radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients, incorporates sensors developed by UOW’s Centre for Medical Radiation Physics that detect and measure in real time the radiation exposure immediately adjacent to the rectal wall during a patient’s prostate cancer treatment. “The rectal wall is an area particularly susceptible to radiation exposure,” explains Tony Enright, UniQuest’s manager of innovation and commercialization at UOW. “For patients undergoing adaptive radiation therapy, this advance in the technology means greater protection from potential complications that are known to occur.” RadiaDyne inked an exclusive license with UOW for the technology and expects to launch commercial sales of its updated system in the U.S. within six months, pending approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.