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Almac trial new cancer drug
Pictured at the announcement of a research collaboration between RCSI and Almac Discovery to target therapyresistant cancer tumours are (l-r) Dr Graham Cotton, Senior R&D Group Leader, Almac Discovery; Professor
Tracy Robson, Head of Molecular & Cellular Therapeutics, RCSI; and Professor Tim Harrison, Vice President
Discovery Chemistry, Almac Discovery.
Craigavon firm Almac have joined forces with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland in a major
research project and trials for a new cancer drug. Almac Discovery, part of the Almac group focused
on discovering and identifying cancer treatment, will link up with the RCSI to gain a new
understanding of how to target tumour cells that are resistant to cancer therapies and cause cancer to
spread to other parts of the body. The project will explore the potential of a drug, based on initial
research by RCSI’s Professor Tracy Robson and developed by Almac Discovery, which is currently
undergoing a trial for patients with solid tumours. A spokesperson for Almac said the drug is to be
trialled on some patients with ovarian cancer, however the drug, ALM201, has the potential to treat a
range of other cancers. “Ovarian cancer ranks among the top ten diagnosed and top five deadliest
cancers in most countries. Unfortunately approximately 80% of patients present with advanced
disease, therefore it is critical that clinicians are provided with as many treatment options as possible.
“The research team at RCSI, led by Professor Robson, Head of Molecular & Cellular Therapeutics,
will investigate a certain type of cell that is present in all tumours, known as cancer stem cells. These
cancer stem cells are resistant to both radiotherapy or chemotherapy and can facilitate the spread of
cancer around the body. “The research will focus on how a novel protein, called FKBPL, which occurs
naturally in the body and has a unique ability to target cancer stem cells, can transform them into
more ‘normal’ tumour cells. These cells can then be more easily killed by chemotherapy and
radiotherapy, therefore reducing the risk of cancer reoccurrence in the patient.” Professor Robson,
said: “Cancer stem cells are a major barrier to successful radiotherapy and chemotherapy and can
result in failure of these treatments. Our initial data demonstrates that ALM201 can transform these
cells so they are no longer resistant to these therapies. This is a promising development and will
complement the anti-angiogenic activity already demonstrated for this drug. This means that
ALM201can block the formation of tumour blood vessels that would otherwise allow cancer to
continue to grow.
“The funding provided by Almac will enable us to carry out further research in order to fully
understand the mechanism behind its anti-cancer stem cell activity. This research is a key step on the
journey to making this treatment available to patients for whom all other forms of therapy have failed.”
Stephen Barr, President and Managing Director, Almac Discovery added: “ALM201 continues to
surprise us as we uncover the complexities of its effects. The interaction of ALM201 with cancer stem
cells, if proven with this research, opens up potential further treatment options for cancer patients that
can be explored in the clinic.” RCSI is ranked in the top 250 institutions worldwide in the Times Higher
Education World University Rankings (2016-2017). It is an international not-for-profit health sciences
institution, with its headquarters in Dublin, focused on education and research to drive improvements
in human health worldwide. Almac Discovery is a research driven oncology company dedicated to the
discovery and development of novel and innovative approaches to the treatment of cancer. Almac
Discovery focuses on the discovery to preclinical stage seeking to partner programmes at an early
time point with the pharmaceutical industry. Exceptionally the company will undertake clinical
development to an early stage before partnering. Almac Discovery is part of the Almac Group.