Therapeutics

Ropidoxuridine

Ropidoxuridine (IPdR) is our lead candidate radiation sensitizer for use in combination with radiation therapy (RT) to treat brain tumors (glioblastoma), a deadly malignancy of the brain with no known cure.

We have received Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for IPdR, providing potential marketing exclusivity upon first FDA approval for treatment of the disease.

Ropidoxuridine (IPdR) is an orally available halogenated pyrimidine with strong cancer radiation sensitizing properties. Halogenated pyrimidines are incorporated into DNA by rapidly growing cancer cells and the cells become more sensitive to the effects of RT. The mechanisms underlying our candidate agents have been attributed to incorporation of IUdR, a metabolite of IPdR, into DNA, yielding reactive uracil free radicals that cause lethal DNA double strand breaks following radiation exposure.

Addressing a Critical Need

An estimated 800,000 patients in the U.S. are treated with radiation therapy annually. According to the American Cancer Society and the American Society of Radiation Oncologists, about 50% of those patients receive radiation therapy with curative intent. The market opportunity for radiation sensitizers lies with the more than 400,000 patients treated annually to achieve cancer cures.

We are currently conducting a Phase 2 clinical trial of Ropidoxuridine for the treatment of patients with glioblastoma. The results of this trial will be important to the cancer community as we look for effective radiation sensitizers to increase cancer cure rates, prolong patient survival and improve quality of life for patients suffering from glioblastoma.