BriaCell Therapeutics Corp. has secured a significant $2,054,651 research grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to advance its novel personalized immunotherapy for prostate cancer. The non-dilutive funding will support the development of Bria-PROS+, the company's next-generation off-the-shelf immunotherapy targeting metastatic prostate cancer.
The grant, titled "Phase 1/2a clinical trial to investigate Bria-PROS+ in patients with metastatic prostate cancer," will enable BriaCell to complete manufacturing of clinical supplies and fund the upcoming Phase 1/2a study in patients with advanced prostate cancer. Dr. William Oh, Director of Precision Medicine at Yale Cancer Center, will serve as the Principal Investigator for the clinical trial.
Addressing Critical Unmet Medical Need
The funding comes at a crucial time for prostate cancer patients facing limited therapeutic options. "Despite recent advances in the management of metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, most patients will progress with significant pain and suffering and limited treatment options," stated Dr. Oh. "We are grateful to the NCI for recognizing the urgency for this unmet medical need and supporting BriaCell's breakthrough immunotherapy."
The Bria-PROS+ therapy represents an expansion of BriaCell's Bria-OTS+ platform into prostate cancer, a malignancy that continues to challenge oncologists and patients worldwide. The personalized off-the-shelf approach aims to deliver targeted immunotherapy while overcoming traditional barriers in personalized cancer treatment.
Platform Innovation and Clinical Validation
BriaCell's Bria-OTS+ platform was specifically engineered to address longstanding challenges in personalized cancer care. "The Bria-OTS+ platform was designed to overcome the complexity, cost and delays of traditional personalized cancer treatments," explained Miguel Lopez-Lago, BriaCell's Chief Scientific Officer. "We believe it will constitute a significant advancement in personalized cancer care."
The NCI grant represents substantial validation of BriaCell's immunotherapy approach. "This prestigious award will help expedite the clinical development of Bria-PROS+ and is significant validation of our next generation novel personalized immunotherapy approach," added Dr. William V. Williams, BriaCell's President and CEO.
Clinical Development Strategy
The awarded funds will specifically support two critical components of the Bria-PROS+ development program: completion of manufacturing for clinical supplies and funding for the Phase 1/2a clinical study. This dual focus ensures that BriaCell can maintain momentum in bringing this innovative therapy to patients with advanced prostate cancer.
The clinical trial will evaluate Bria-PROS+ in patients with metastatic prostate cancer, representing a patient population with significant unmet medical needs. The study design as a Phase 1/2a trial suggests an initial focus on safety evaluation followed by preliminary efficacy assessment.
BriaCell Therapeutics operates as a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing novel immunotherapies to transform cancer care. The company's approach centers on creating innovative treatment options for patients facing challenging cancer diagnoses.
