Vidac Pharma has received over €600,000 in reinvestment from existing shareholders and management to propel the clinical development of its innovative cancer drug candidates. The funding will primarily support clinical trials, including a Phase 2b study of VDA-1102 for advanced actinic keratosis (AK).
Phase 2b Trial for VDA-1102 in Actinic Keratosis
Vidac Pharma is initiating regulatory preparations for a Phase 2b trial of VDA-1102 in patients with advanced AK, a form of skin cancer that can progress to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). The company has signed a contract with Forschungsdock CRO, a German CRO, to assist with the trial's execution. Prof. Dr. Thomas Dirschka, an expert in AK and head of CentroDerm GmbH, will serve as the principal investigator.
The Phase 2b trial will focus on highly proliferative lesions, which are more likely to develop into CSCC. An earlier Phase 2b trial indicated higher sensitivity to VDA-1102 in patients with advanced AK. VDA-1102's mechanism of action targets cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells, potentially reducing side effects.
VDA-1102 in Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma and VDA-1275 Development
In addition to the AK trial, VDA-1102 has shown promise in treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Vidac Pharma has completed a Phase 2a proof-of-concept trial, and the results will be reported soon. The company's other therapeutic candidate, VDA-1275, is currently in advanced pre-clinical studies.
Mechanism of Action
Vidac Pharma's drug candidates disrupt the interaction between hexokinase 2 (HK2) and voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) in mitochondria. Cancer cells often overexpress HK2, which is crucial for glucose metabolism and tumor growth. HK2 blocks VDACs, preventing apoptosis, supporting cancer cell proliferation, and suppressing immune responses. This leads to high concentrations of lactate and an acidic, low-oxygen microenvironment that promotes cancer growth. Clinical data suggest that Vidac's metabolic checkpoint modulators can halt cancer cell proliferation and restore immune sensitivity and apoptosis.
"I am thrilled by this show of confidence, which puts us in better shape to continue the development of our drugs in onco-dermatology and solid tumors," said Max Herzberg, Chief Executive Officer of Vidac Pharma. "We will continue apace with testing of our two therapeutic candidates, including the extremely promising VDA-1275."
