QBiotics presents its veterinary cancer compound

Australian life sciences company QBiotics outlined the latest clinical developments in its cancer compound, EBC-46, to an audience of veterinary cancer experts last week.

Speaking at The World Veterinary Cancer Congress in Brazil, QBiotics CEO Dr Victoria Gordon and Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Stewart Lowden showcased the latest clinical research results from a range of studies. The trials underpin the efficacy of EBC-46 as an intratumoral treatment for cutaneous and subcutaneous mast cell tumours and soft tissue sarcomas in dogs.

EBC-46 is a natural product isolated from the seed of Australian rainforest shrub Fontainea picrosperma. A ready-to-use injectable solution, the drug works by initiating tumour necrosis directly and by tumour blood vessel destruction, followed by rapid wound healing.

“EBC-46 is a signalling molecule which turns on the animal’s own immune system to destroy the tumour,” explained Dr Gordon. “It also has the advantage of being easy to administer, causes minimal trauma to the animals during treatment and has no significant negative side effects.

“Tumour destruction is rapid [and] wounds heal without the need for intervention, such as antibiotics and lotions, and with minimal scarring.”

The company will shortly enter the pivotal trial phase for canine mast cell tumours (FDA-CVM in the USA) and skin and subcutis soft tissue sarcomas (EMA in Europe), which would act as the final clinical development steps to commercial use of the product in those markets for indications in dogs.

QBiotics is actively progressing towards regulatory approval in international veterinary markets — an important element of QBiotics’ future commercial success, according to Dr Gordon. There are an estimated 16 million annual cases of companion animal tumours in the UK and USA, with the market for animal tumours estimated to be around $350 million.

“With the pivotal clinical trials in the USA and UK, we have the opportunity to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of the compound for international markets,” said Dr Gordon.