Pharmacy

In a recent study conducted by investigators at Queen's University and Almac Discovery Ltd reported that a   s recombinant protein and its peptide derivative that have been found to be potent inhibitors of blood vessel formation and form the potential for a new family of anticancer drugs. The investigators began by studying a recombinant form of the   protein FKBPL (FK506 binding protein like). They found that   this protein was a potent blocker of angiogenesis in multiple in   vitro and in vivo model systems. Also, they were able to isolate and then synthesize a 24-amino acid peptide (AD-01) that was responsible for the anti-angiogenic activity.                   

Dr Tracy Robson, Professor - Pharmacy, Queen's University, said, "By understanding the anti-angiogenic potential of the natural protein, FKBPL, we have been able to develop small peptide-based drugs that could be delivered to prevent tumour growth by cutting off their blood supply. This is highly effective in models of prostate and breast cancer. However, this also has the potential for the treatment of any solid tumour and we are excited about continuing to work with Almac Discovery as this drug enters clinical trials." AD-101 is currently in the final stages of preclinical development.