Starpharma has presented promising data on its DEP® cabazitaxel, a nanoparticle formulation of cabazitaxel for advanced prostate cancer (mCRPC), at ESMO 2022. Key findings include a >30% improvement in median progression-free survival (3.9 months vs. 2.9 months) and a 100% response rate among evaluable patients. Compared to standard cabazitaxel, DEP® showed significantly fewer severe treatment-related adverse events (7.5% vs. 39.7%) and no severe hypersensitivity reactions. These results indicate the potential of DEP® cabazitaxel to enhance patient outcomes.
Starpharma, an Australian biotechnology firm, announced a new DEP® Research Agreement with MSD, the trade name of Merck Sharp & Dohme. This agreement aims to develop and evaluate additional DEP® Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs). This initiative follows a previous ADC agreement with MSD in February 2021 and a separate expanded agreement in June 2022 with another US biopharmaceutical company. This partnership is expected to enhance the clinical and commercial value of Starpharma's DEP® technology, which has shown promising results in preclinical studies.
Starpharma, a Melbourne-based biotech firm, reported positive interim results from its phase 2 trial of DEP® cabazitaxel for prostate cancer. All evaluable patients (Stage IV) showed efficacy responses, with 100% demonstrating significant results. Key findings include:
- 64% saw tumor size reductions for up to 36 weeks.
- 90% exhibited a decrease in PSA levels.
- 83% experienced no progression in secondary bone disease.
- 56% responded positively across all measures.
These results highlight DEP® cabazitaxel's potential compared to conventional treatments.
MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Starpharma's DEP® cabazitaxel, a nanoparticle version of cabazitaxel, shows enhanced safety with improved side effect profiles compared to Jevtana®. It is in late phase 2 clinical trials for solid tumors, including prostate cancer, with encouraging efficacy signals observed in multiple cancer types despite patients' extensive prior treatments. The US patent granted for DEP® cabazitaxel extends protection until 2039, supporting its unique drug delivery technology. The company plans to advance its clinical program and explore commercial licensing opportunities.
Starpharma has published new data showing its Viraleze antiviral nasal spray reduces SARS-CoV-2 viral load by over 99.9% in animal models. Conducted at The Scripps Research Institute, the study supports Viraleze's effectiveness against COVID-19 and its variants, including the Delta variant. The findings, featured in Viruses, validate the product's potential as a complementary intervention for COVID-19. Currently, Viraleze is registered for sale in Europe and India, and available online.
On February 11, 2021, Starpharma (OTCQX: SPHRY) announced a Research Agreement with MSD to evaluate dendrimer-based Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADCs) using their proprietary DEP® technology. This collaboration aims to enhance ADC characteristics, building on Starpharma's successful preclinical studies, including their DEP® HER-2 ADC, which demonstrated significant tumor regression and 100% survival in models. Starpharma already has four clinical-stage oncology products developed from the DEP® technology, one of which is in partnership with AstraZeneca.