The FDA has granted approval for the Investigational New Drug (IND) application of AS1986NS, a novel agent developed by Antelope Surgical Solutions for the enhanced detection and treatment of prostate cancer. This approval paves the way for the initiation of phase 1/2 clinical trials, slated to begin in early 2025.
AS1986NS: A Dual-Modality Approach
AS1986NS is designed with a dual-modality approach, combining a fluorescent marker with lutetium-175, a radioactive isotope. The fluorescent marker is intended to provide surgeons with real-time visualization of cancerous tissue during surgery, enabling more precise differentiation between malignant and healthy tissue. Concurrently, the lutetium-175 radiolabel facilitates detailed imaging of cancer sites through PET scanning.
The anticipated benefits of AS1986NS include improved surgical precision and enhanced imaging capabilities, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients with prostate cancer. Amy Wu, MD, CEO of Antelope Surgical, stated, "This approval brings us one step closer to offering a new hope for patients suffering from all stages of prostate cancer. Our goal is to automate surgery in the future to impact outcomes and improve efficiency."
Clinical Trial Details
The upcoming phase 1/2 clinical trials, pending Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval and National Clinical Trial (NCT) registration, will be led by Ashutosh Tewari, MD, from Mount Sinai in New York, and Po-Hung Lin, MD, from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. These trials will primarily focus on evaluating the safety and effectiveness of AS1986NS in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Potential Expansion to Other Cancers
Antelope Surgical Solutions envisions that if the clinical trials demonstrate positive results, AS1986NS could be expanded to other cancer types, broadening its impact on surgical oncology. The company aims to automate surgery to impact outcomes and improve efficiency.
