A cancer drug, Conatumumab, has shown potential in treating Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), offering new hope for patients with this debilitating condition. Pre-clinical research indicates that the drug, previously investigated for cancer treatment, could provide a novel therapeutic approach for PAD.
Associate Professor Mary Kavurma, leader of the Heart Research Institute's (HRI) Centre for PAD, highlighted the significance of the findings, stating that the pre-clinical discovery paves the way for swift progression into human trials. The research involved testing Conatumumab in pre-clinical models of PAD and in vitro, utilizing cells and arteries obtained from PAD patients who had undergone amputation.
Expedited Transition to Clinical Trials
A significant advantage of Conatumumab is that its toxicology and safety profiles are already established due to its prior evaluation as a cancer drug. According to Associate Professor Kavurma, this eliminates a major hurdle in drug development, potentially allowing for a rapid transition to clinical trials. "Knowing that the drug is safe for use in patients means we could now move very quickly to the next stage of research," she explained.
HRI's Commitment to PAD Research
The breakthrough aligns with HRI's ongoing dedication to addressing PAD, evidenced by the recent launch of the Centre for PAD. This center, in collaboration with Royal Prince Alfred and Concord Repatriation Hospitals, along with the University of Sydney, serves as a central hub for PAD research, recruitment, outreach, and mentoring.
The research findings on the use of Conatumumab for PAD have been published in Science Advances.
