Researchers at the Heart Research Institute (HRI) have discovered that Conatumumab, a drug previously used to treat cancer, may also be effective in treating peripheral artery disease (PAD). The preclinical study, conducted by HRI's Centre for Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), found that Conatumumab promotes the growth of new blood vessels, effectively bypassing blockages and restoring blood flow in affected limbs.
Preclinical Findings
The study, led by Dr. Siân Cartland from HRI’s Centre for PAD, demonstrated that Conatumumab can induce angiogenesis in preclinical models of PAD. The drug was also tested in vitro using cells and arteries collected from PAD patients who had undergone amputation. The results indicated that Conatumumab could potentially reverse the effects of PAD by restoring blood flow to ischemic tissues.
Clinical Implications
PAD affects one in five older Australians and is a leading cause of limb amputation. Current treatments primarily focus on slowing the progression of the disease, with no existing therapies capable of stopping or reversing it. Dr. Cartland emphasized the significance of this finding, stating, "The surprising finding that a drug developed to kill cancer cells can restore blood flow in areas affected by PAD gives us brand new hope of reversing the disease."
Expedited Clinical Translation
Associate Professor Mary Kavurma, who leads the HRI’s Centre for PAD, highlighted the potential for rapid translation of these findings into clinical trials. "All the toxicology and safety studies for this drug have already been done as a cancer drug, which is a big hurdle we won’t have to overcome," she explained. "Knowing that the drug is safe for use in patients means we could now move very quickly to the next stage of research."
The research was published in Science Advances.
Future Directions
The HRI's Centre for PAD, in collaboration with the Royal Prince Alfred and Concord Repatriation Hospitals, as well as The University of Sydney, aims to further investigate the therapeutic potential of Conatumumab in PAD. This collaborative effort seeks to accelerate the development of new treatments and improve outcomes for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.
