New drug boosts immune system in cancer patients
A new drug whose code name is VTX-2337 holds promise to help cancer patients by boosting their immune system, thus helping them in coping with the deadly disease. It’s testing is being done by three partners – TGen, Scottsdale Healthcare and Mayo Clinic.
“VTX-2337 is a new, novel, small molecule aimed at stimulating the immune cells in the blood, lymph nodes, and in and around the tumor. It represents an exciting new class of agents for cancer therapy with good preclinical evidence of activity,” said Dr. Ramesh Ramanathan, the director of TGen.
The first phase that will be performed on humans will include safety testings. If the tests end up being successful, phase two will be testing the drug’s impact on tumors.
A known fact is that a weakened immune system “allows” the cancer cells to grow. This drug is supposed to slow that process down, by boosting the immune system.
VTX-2337 is developed by San Diego-based VentiRx Pharmaceuticals Inc. “VentiRx is very excited to be working with TGen, Scottsdale Healthcare and Mayo Clinic on this important and novel program,” said Michael Kamdar, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer at VentiRx.
The clinical trial coordinator for Mayo Clinic is Dianna Boughter, who can be reached at 480-301-9875.
Source: tgen.org
