Onco-Innovations Limited has announced a strategic research partnership with the University of Alberta and Cross Cancer Institute to advance preclinical studies of its Polynucleotide Kinase 3'-Phosphatase (PNKP) inhibitor technology for treating hard-to-treat cancers, with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) as the initial focus.
Research Partnership Details
The preclinical research program is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2025 and will be led by Dr. Michael Weinfeld, a Senior Scientist at Alberta Health Services and Professor in the Department of Oncology at the University of Alberta. Dr. Weinfeld's pioneering research led to the original discovery of the PNKP inhibitor technology and he currently serves on Onco-Innovations' Scientific Advisory Board.
The study aims to generate early preclinical data to assess the therapeutic potential of the company's PNKP inhibitor platform specifically in the context of GBM and potentially other treatment-resistant cancers. The research will focus on the company's second-generation nanoparticle formulation of the PNKP inhibitor technology.
Glioblastoma Multiforme: A Critical Unmet Need
GBM represents one of the most challenging oncological targets, characterized as an aggressive and fast-growing form of brain cancer that arises from glial cells in the brain. The disease accounts for approximately 50% of all primary malignant brain tumors and presents significant treatment challenges due to its complex, treatment-resistant nature.
The global burden of GBM is substantial, with more than 200,000 individuals worldwide estimated to succumb to the disease each year. The five-year survival rate for glioblastoma patients remains extremely low, highlighting the critical need for innovative therapeutic approaches.
Research Objectives and Methodology
The preclinical study will investigate several key areas to evaluate the compound's potential therapeutic value. Primary research objectives include evaluating the compound's pharmacological characteristics and its ability to enhance DNA damage in tumor models. Additionally, researchers will assess the effects on normal brain tissue to establish safety parameters.
The study will also explore the potential for future combination strategies with standard-of-care therapies, which could provide a pathway for enhanced treatment efficacy in this difficult-to-treat cancer population.
Strategic Implications
Thomas O'Shaughnessy, Chief Executive Officer of Onco-Innovations, emphasized the significance of this research expansion: "Preclinical evaluation of PNKP inhibitor activity in additional cancer types is a significant step towards the broader clinical application of our technology. By generating targeted preclinical data, we aim to deepen our understanding of how PNKP inhibition can be leveraged across difficult cancer settings and begin laying the groundwork for a development path that may support combination treatment strategies and other future applications."
The CEO further noted that "this kind of focused early research is essential to advancing a precision-driven therapeutic platform," indicating the company's commitment to developing targeted approaches for challenging oncological indications.
Technology Platform
Onco-Innovations has secured an exclusive worldwide license to the patented PNKP inhibitor technology that targets solid tumors. The company's focus on second-generation nanoparticle formulations represents an advancement in drug delivery approaches that could potentially improve therapeutic outcomes in hard-to-treat cancers.
The Canadian-based company specializes in oncology research and treatment, with a mission to pursue cancer prevention and treatment through pioneering research and innovative solutions. This latest research partnership represents a strategic expansion of the company's development pipeline into one of the most challenging areas of oncology.
