TMCnet News
Cavion Collaborators Present Data at AACRCavion LLC, a pharmaceutical company developing T-type calcium channel inhibitors for the treatment of solid tumors and neurologic diseases, announced today that its University of Virginia collaborators Barbara Dziegielewska, Ph.D., and Jaroslaw Dziegielewski, Ph.D., will present data at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the premier cancer research event being held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from April 18-22. Dr. Barbara Dziegielewska will present two posters. One, entitled "Overcoming resistance to anti-EGFR therapy in non-small cell lung cancer with a T-type Ca2+ channels inhibitor," suggests that a combined treatment of Cavion's T-type calcium channel inhibitor mibefradil plus tyrosine kinase inhibitors might overcome resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies in non-small cell lung cancer. Her second poster, entitled "T-type Ca2+ channels inhibitors sensitize ovarian cancer to carboplatin through downregulation of survivin gene expression," shows that administering mibefradil in vitro to ovarian cancer cells results in a simultaneous decrease in expression of the anti-apoptotic gene survivin and increase in apoptosis, which is amplified when mibefradil is combined with carboplatin. This is consistent with observed synergy between mibefradil and carboplatin in ovarian cancer xenografts. Tese findings provide a rationale for using T-type calcium channel antagonists in combination with standard chemotherapeutics in a clinical trial. Dr. Jaroslaw Dziegielewski's poster, entitled "Enhancing the Stupp regimen in glioblastoma cancer cells with a T-type calcium channels inhibitor," demonstrates that inhibiting T-type calcium channels in Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) affects DNA damage signaling and repair, providing a rational molecular mechanism for the sensitization of GBM to the standard of care Stupp regimen by T-type calcium channel inhibition. "We are honored to have two such capable researchers exploring the impact of T-type calcium channel inhibition across a range of solid tumors. Their studies reinforce our confidence in our innovative and effective therapies for a variety of solid tumor cancers," said Cavion President and CEO Andrew Krouse. About Cavion LLC Cavion LLC, founded as Tau Therapeutics LLC, is a privately held clinical stage platform pharmaceutical company creating therapies engaging the T-type calcium channel (Cav3) for the treatment of neurologic and oncologic diseases. The T-type calcium channel is an emerging molecular target for cancer and pain. Cavion is collaborating with the Yale University Comprehensive Cancer Center to co-sponsor a Phase 1 trial of the T-type calcium channel blocker mibefradil combined with hypofractionated radiation therapy; a multi-site NCI Adult Brain Tumor Consortium-sponsored Phase 1b clinical trial of mibefradil administered with temozolomide in brain cancer recently completed enrollment. Forward-Looking Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and includes statements that are not historical facts. Actual results could differ significantly from results discussed. Cavion LLC disclaims any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements, except as required by law. |
