- Thinly traded nano cap CytRx (OTCQB:CYTR) is up 4% premarket on increased volume on the heels of its announcement of promising preclinical data on its LADR (Linker Activated Drug Release) drug candidates in a range of cancers. The results were presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting in Chicago.
- The company says the candidates, LADR-7, LADR-8, LADR-9 and LADR-10, enable drug compounds to be molecularly bound to the protein albumin in the bloodstream which allows its controlled release at the tumor site. Albumin constitutes about 1/2 of the protein in plasma. All are IND-ready.
- LADR-7 and LADR-8 bind the cytotoxic compound auristatin E to albumin. In preclinical testing, LADR-7 produced a 93% response rate in a melanoma model, an 86% response rate in ovarian cancer and a 100% response rate in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). LADR-8 showed a 67% response rate in ovarian cancer but only 27% in NSCLC.
- LADR-9 and LADR-10 showed positive effects compared to the parent drug maytansine in all cancer models, including lung, breast, ovarian, renal cell and head and neck cancers.
- Strategic Advisor Eric Curtis says the company currently in discussions with pharmaceutical companies related to out-licensing/developing the technology.