A topical cream designed to prevent and treat skin cancers in organ transplant patients is moving closer to clinical development, thanks to a recent funding boost. Researchers at the University of Queensland (UQ) have received $344,000 from the National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation to advance the novel treatment through pre-clinical studies. This funding will support the development of a formula suitable for application on human skin, marking a significant step towards clinical trials.
Novel Drug Discovery
Associate Professor James Wells, from UQ's Frazer Institute, explained that the cream contains a unique drug that prevents the formation of skin cancer. The drug was discovered and developed in partnership with UniQuest's small molecule drug discovery initiative, Queensland Emory Drug Discovery Initiative (QEDDI). This collaboration has yielded a promising molecule with the potential to both prevent and treat early-stage skin cancer in a vulnerable patient population.
Unmet Needs in Transplant Care
Organ transplant recipients face a heightened risk of skin cancer due to the immunosuppressive drugs they must take to prevent organ rejection. These drugs, while crucial for transplant survival, increase the risk of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and Kaposi's Sarcoma. Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs specifically for treating SCCs in these patients. The standard of care involves regular medical checks and surgical removal of cancerous lesions, an approach that continues throughout the patient's life. This new topical treatment offers a potential alternative to manage and prevent skin cancers without risking transplant rejection.
Pre-clinical Development and Future Directions
The pre-clinical development phase will focus on determining the optimal depth of drug application to the skin and scaling up manufacturing processes. UniQuest has filed a patent on the novel molecule. According to UniQuest CEO Dr. Dean Moss, this first-of-its-kind treatment could significantly improve the lives of transplant recipients. QEDDI focuses on creating new medicines from academic biomedical research, with a pipeline that includes potential treatments for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory disorders.
