NOV202 a new drug candidate for multidrug resistant ovarian cancer
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | NOVIGA RESEARCH AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | May 2016 - December 2016 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The goal of the project was to investigate the effect of NOV202 in different ovarian cancer models, and to investigate the effect of NOV202 on blood vessel formation in vivo. Positive results were generated in the different ovarian cancer models. A clear antiangiogenic effect was also seen in vivo with NOV202. We could also show that chronic treatment with NOV202 did not cause any toxicological changes in four different target organs, which however, standard chemotherapy (paclitaxel) did. The results are encouraging and strengthens our ability to move NOV202 towards the clinic.
Expected long term effects
The results from the efficacy studies in various models of ovarian cancer confirmed earlier positive results of NOV202. Tumour growth was markedly reduced and the treatment was well tolerated. Toxicological studies of four target organs showed no histological changes after chronic treatment with NOV202, however, paclitaxel caused marked changes in the spleen. In an in-vivo model of angiogenesis earlier positive in vitro results was also confirmed. These results will increase the chances for further financing of NOV202 pre-clinical program.
Approach and implementation
The project was done according to standard procedures for small biotechnology companies via outsourcing of the studies. We have previously worked with the various project partners, which is an advantage when it comes to the design of the studies. Joint analysis of the results together with the partner has generated new ideas for the further development of NOV202 towards the clinic. Briefly, the way forward for NOV202 could be a combination with biological drugs (antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory drugs) and pre-clinical studies to investigate this will soon be initiated.