Oncotelic Therapeutics has published groundbreaking research identifying TGFB2 gene methylation as a positive prognostic biomarker for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), offering new hope for patient stratification in one of oncology's most challenging malignancies. The peer-reviewed study, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, reveals that DNA methylation signatures of the TGFB2 gene serve as a novel biomarker for improved overall survival, particularly in immunosuppressed tumor microenvironments.
Novel Biomarker Shows Dramatic Survival Benefit
The research demonstrates that patients exhibiting high TGFB2 methylation along with low expression of immune markers such as CD3D, LCK, and HLA-DRA achieved a highly significant median overall survival exceeding 50 months. This finding is particularly noteworthy given that PDAC remains one of the most lethal malignancies with limited treatment options, typically restricted to cytotoxic regimens like FOLFIRINOX.
The study was conducted in collaboration with Sapu Biosciences, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of GMP Biotechnology Limited, in which Oncotelic owns a 45% stake. The research was co-authored by Dr. Sanjive Qazi, Dr. Michael Potts, Scott Myers, Dr. Stephen Richardson, and Dr. Vuong Trieu.
Implications for Targeted Therapy Development
The data suggest that TGFB2 methylation serves as a favorable prognostic indicator and may inform patient stratification for therapies targeting TGFB2 mRNA, such as OT-101, Oncotelic's investigational antisense oligonucleotide. This biomarker-driven approach could enable more precise treatment selection for patients with PDAC.
"Our latest discovery significantly enhances our understanding of the TGFB gene complex in PDAC, particularly in immunologically cold tumors," said Dr. Sanjive Qazi, lead author of the study. "These results support further clinical development of OT-101 in PDAC, especially among patients with low T-cell infiltration and high TGFB2 methylation."
Advancing Immunotherapy Selection in Cold Tumors
The study underscores the importance of profiling TGFB1, TGFB2, and TGFB3 methylation to better characterize tumor immune status and select candidates for immunotherapy in otherwise resistant "cold" tumors. This approach addresses a significant challenge in oncology, where immunologically cold tumors typically show poor response to immunotherapy.
The research specifically focuses on immunosuppressed tumor microenvironments characterized by low CD8+ T-cell infiltration, representing a patient population with particularly poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options.
AI-Powered Research Platform
The study leveraged Oncotelic's proprietary AI platform, PDAOAI, which played a pivotal role in literature mining and analysis. "PDAOAI, our AI-powered chatbot platform, played a pivotal role in the literature mining and analysis for this paper," added Scott Myers, Product Manager. "The integration of AI into the scientific process is accelerating discovery."
Dr. Michael Potts, VP of Data Science at Oncotelic, noted that "Large language models like PDAOAI are transforming how we identify, extract, and interpret biomedical insights." The underlying source data and referenced literature used in the manuscript are accessible via Oncotelic's proprietary AI platform.
Clinical Development Pathway
The findings provide a scientific foundation for advancing OT-101, Oncotelic's investigational antisense oligonucleotide targeting TGFB2 mRNA, in clinical development for PDAC. The biomarker-driven approach could enable more targeted patient selection and potentially improve clinical outcomes in this challenging indication.
Oncotelic, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on RNA-based therapeutics, has been developing treatments for various cancer indications with a special emphasis on rare pediatric cancers. The company has rare pediatric designation for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma through OT-101 and other oncology programs in development.
