Oxford Cannabinoid Technologies Holdings (OCTP) is taking its first steps into oncology with a cannabinoid immunotherapy agent candidate that could potentially combat solid tumors.
Cancer cells possess attributes enabling them to escape the body’s immune responses that would otherwise prevent the development of malignant tumours. Immunotherapy treatments help the human immune system to attack and destroy cancer, and can prevent or significantly delay cancer reoccurrence.
Current immunotherapy agents can produce significant side effects, are costly and be inconvenient for patients as many are delivered via IV, requiring the patient to attend a specialised clinic.
The cannabis plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids, and while OCTP isn’t stating which its agent is based on, initial data analysis indicates promising properties including in vitro potency and selectivity to target, and in vivo availability in the blood.
“In vitro” refers to studies conducted using organism components isolated from their usual biological surroundings. “In vivo” means experimentation carried out in a whole organism.
OCTP’s research suggests that the treatment utilizes a mechanism of action that “removes the brake” cancer sets on a patient’s immunity, prompting the patient’s own immune cells to attack the cancer. The company’s next steps involve conducting additional in vitro and in vivo studies to further assess the full potential of this lead candidate, followed by a safety-pharmacology evaluation – all expected to be completed by 2024.
If this candidate drug works out, it could mean a treatment available in tablet form that cancer patients would be able to take at home.
“There is an urgent need for new cancer medications,” said OCTP Clarissa Sowemimo-Coker. “We’ve identified a potential first-line-treatment that could offer a viable alternative to expensive biologics and their side effects. This is exciting news for our team.”
As well as providing an alternative therapy to help patients, there are big bucks involved if OCTP’s candidate proves to be effective. The company notes the sector of therapies against solid tumors is estimated to be worth US $532 billion by 2032.
Established in 2017, OCTP has been developing a portfolio of next generation prescription cannabinoid medicines; originally targeting the multi-billion dollar pain market.
