Anti-cancer compound shows unique properties

Australian biotech company Progen Industries has announced that recently conducted preclinical research of its leading anti-cancer compound, PI-88, revealed that the compound also had a novel profile as a potential anti-thrombotic and inhibitor of restenosis.

Preclinical research confirmed that PI-88 was a potentially potent anti-thrombotic agent. The studies showed that the compound's mechanism of action was different to that of commonly used anti-thrombotic agents such as heparin and low molecular weight heparins.

Results indicated that PI-88 was a strong activator of heparin cofactor II (HCII) but not antithrombin III and that PI-88 exhibited very potent release of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI) in vivo. Together with HCII activation and TFPI release, it was a potential inhibitor of thrombogenesis.

This research also indicated that, in addition to inactivating coagulation enzymes, PI-88 prevented restenosis by inhibiting the proliferation of smooth muscle cells that line arteries, which may ultimately block blood flow. Prevention of smooth muscle cell proliferation was affected via the inhibition of the enzyme heparanase by PI-88. This combination of unique actions may give PI-88 an advantage over currently used anti-thrombotics.