CU Cancer Center Researchers Advance Novel Cancer Therapy with SVC112 Molecule

After eight years of research, University of Colorado Cancer Center researchers Tin Tin Su and Antonio Jimeno are closer to introducing a novel cancer therapy to patients, thanks to funding from the Anschutz Acceleration Initiative (AAI). Their project focuses on SVC112, a synthetic small molecule effective against cancer stem cells, particularly in head and neck cancers.

SVC112, developed from the chemical bouvardin found in the firecracker bush, has shown promise in pre-clinical research by inhibiting cancer stem cells' ability to produce more tumor cells. This molecule has demonstrated greater efficacy and less toxicity compared to FDA-approved protein synthesis inhibitors, also enhancing the effects of radiation treatment.

The research team plans to conduct pre-clinical experiments leading to an investigational new drug filing with the FDA within two years. Following this, they aim to initiate a first-in-human Phase 1a clinical trial to determine the safe and optimal delivery method of SVC112 to humans, utilizing the clinical-trials capabilities of the university.

This initiative not only highlights the potential of SVC112 in treating various cancers but also underscores the importance of Colorado-based research and funding in advancing cancer therapy. The project's progress and the selection of cancers for later stages of clinical trials will be influenced by early results, potentially expanding the treatment's applicability to other cancer types.