AUS
NZ
UK
CA
USA
IND
Highlights
- Amplia Therapeutics team awarded the 2024 Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation.
- Their co-invention, momelotinib, is now approved for treating myelofibrosis.
- Amplia Therapeutics is advancing promising cancer treatments, including narmafotinib.
Amplia Therapeutics (ASX:ATX) has made significant strides in the field of drug discovery, with CEO Dr. Chris Burns and collaborator Professor Andrew Wilks being awarded the prestigious 2024 Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation. Their notable achievement stems from the development of momelotinib, a drug designed to treat myelofibrosis, a rare bone marrow cancer. The recognition highlights their dedication to advancing medical research in Australia.
The Journey of Momelotinib
Momelotinib, co-invented by Wilks and Burns, was developed to target JAK enzymes that contribute to myelofibrosis. This rare disease disrupts normal blood cell production, affecting around 1 in 100,000 people in Australia. The drug was created at Cytopia, a Melbourne-based biotech company founded by Wilks, and has since been approved by both the US FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
In a significant commercial breakthrough, momelotinib was acquired by a major global pharmaceutical company for $1.9 billion and is now marketed in the US under the name Ojjaara. This achievement underscores the impact of Australian research on the global stage.
Innovation as a Collaborative Effort
Professor Wilks emphasized the importance of teamwork in developing momelotinib, stating that it required contributions from various disciplines. He highlighted the role creativity plays in shaping drug development and the pride he feels in seeing momelotinib reach patients in need. Wilks sees this award as a validation of their efforts, likening it to a special recognition in his career.
Positive Patient Outcomes
Dr. Burns shared early successes in clinical trials, where patients responded positively to momelotinib. Within a few months, patients saw improvements in their quality of life, returning to work and normal activities. Burns hopes this achievement will inspire future Australian scientists to pursue research with practical outcomes, showing that groundbreaking discoveries can happen locally.
Amplia’s Focus on Cancer Treatments
Following their success with momelotinib, Amplia Therapeutics (ASX:ATX) has shifted its focus to cancer treatments, particularly through the development of narmafotinib (AMP945), a focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor. This drug, currently in Phase 2a clinical trials, is being tested for its effectiveness in treating pancreatic cancer, showing promising results in tumor size reduction. The company’s innovative approach is centered on combining narmafotinib with standard chemotherapy to enhance treatment outcomes.
Narmafotinib has been granted fast-track designation by the FDA, a significant milestone that aims to accelerate its availability to patients. This designation highlights the potential of narmafotinib to provide an advantage over existing therapies for serious conditions like cancer.
A Legacy of Scientific Excellence
The award of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation to Burns and Wilks also highlights the broader impact of their work. Their contributions have paved the way for a new generation of Australian scientists to make their mark in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Professor Doug Hilton from CSIRO, who nominated them for the prize, praised the quality of their science and the lasting influence it will have on future research.
Their story is a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and collaboration in medical research, and their work continues to inspire others in the field.
