Noxopharm Eyeing to Revolutionise Cancer Therapy; Focusing on Turning Veyonda® into Reality

Australia headquartered clinical stage drug development company, Noxopharm Limited (ASX: NOX) has been in the spotlight for its potentially transformative therapy in late-stage prostate cancer where few or no standard therapy exists currently.

Noxopharm recently released a corporate presentation to its shareholders and the market, providing a general outlook with an update on its clinical strategy as well as commercialisation and funding strategies.

Veyonda^® - first-in-class S1P inhibitor

Noxopharm believes that its lead drug candidate Veyonda^® (NOX66) has the potential to become a commonly used anti-cancer drug within a few years.

A novel patented formulation of idronoxil, Veyonda^® is a first-in-class, sphingosine-1-phosphate inhibitor (S1P) that reinstates the ability of the body’s immune system to fight and eliminate cancer.

The inhibitory effect of Veyonda^® is on an oncogene upstream of S1P which makes it unique from any other S1P inhibitor. Another distinctive feature of Veyonda^® is that it only blocks S1P in cancer cells and some high-turnover cells.

Bringing Veyonda^® to Market

During its journey so far, Noxopharm remained engaged in determining the most assured path to market for Veyonda^®, with three potential methods of use including, monotherapy, combination therapy and immunotherapy in the first three years.

The company selected DARRT based on following considerations-

• Encouraging positive clinical outcomes in DARRT-1;
• Absence of disease progression at 6-months in more than 50% of men, indicating its potential to possibly achieve OS (Overall Survival) outcome;
• No noteworthy safety issues;
• Ability to cater to large unmet need;
• Guidance received from Noxopharm's U.S. Prostate Cancer Med Advisory board;
• Prospects to apply for FDA expedited review;
• Opportunity for Phase 2 adaptive design;
• Only one competitive technology known till now (PSMA + radionuclide).

With the promising data of DARRT-1 study, Noxopharm is planning for DARRT-2 multi-national study next year across Australasia, North America, and Europe.

Noxopharm’s Clinical Development Program at a Glance

Source: NOX Investor Presentation

Both DARRT and LuPIN (Lu-PSMA in conjunction with Veyonda^®) trials to date have been well-tolerated and have shown promising results in terms of tumour response, PSA, RECIST criteria and pain reduction.

A major differentiator to the standard cancer treatments is the fact that Veyonda^® is very well tolerated.

Breaking down Frontiers - A future beyond Veyonda^®

The convincing signal that Noxopharm is pushing the boundaries with a vision to become a major drug development and drug discovery player comes from the strategic planning of a new clinical pipeline.

The inclusion of other solid cancer types in the existing programs is expected to support Noxopharm’s intention in securing marketing approvals for Veyonda^® for its successful commercialisation.

The Company is strategically planning new clinical programs including-

• Glutamate receptor inhibitor for Glioblastoma multiforme- Noxopharm recently updated the market about the commencement of novel research program leveraging its world-leading glutamate-inhibition technology for treating glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), aiming to become first glutamate-inhibitor in the clinic for GBM, bringing a fundamental transformation in brain cancer treatment.
• NOX66 for Nasopharyngeal cancer - Noxopharm entered into a collaboration with Hong Kong University with the aim to underpin future clinical study or strategic partnership in China. Moreover, the Company recently received a $50,000 bridging grant from Australian Academy of Technology and Science.
• Cancer stem cell cytotoxic for various cancers
• IRAK4 inhibitor for various cancers

Lens over Noxopharm’s Commercialisation and Funding Strategies

Noxopharm’s commercial and financial perspective was unveiled by Company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Alexander Hunter as follows –

• Finessing commercial structure and business systems to support growth;
• Securing necessary funding;
• Building suitable banking and commercial US relationships;
• Execution of clinical development plan and other commercialization pathways.

Noxopharm’s Critical Business Plan

With a goal to revolutionise cancer treatment, Noxopharm continues to develop research-oriented clinical programs and commercial opportunities in its quest of bringing to the market Veyonda^® - a versatile therapy that could be a game-changer in the existing cancer treatments.

NOX last traded at $0.325 on 27 November 2019. The stock is currently placed on a trading halt (as on 28 November), pending the release of an announcement pertaining to DARRT-1 results.

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