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Highlights
Race Oncology secures ethics approval in Hong Kong for RC220 Phase 1 trial
Leading Hong Kong hospitals join global study on reformulated bisantrene
East Asian expansion enhances clinical footprint for cardio-oncology program
Race Oncology Ltd (ASX:RAC), a biotechnology company listed on the ASX 200, has received Human Research Ethics Committee approvals from two major medical institutions in Hong Kong. The approvals allow the company to move forward with the RC220 Phase 1 clinical trial, aimed at evaluating the safety and pharmacokinetics of its cardio-oncology drug candidate.
The sites include Queen Mary Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital, both of which have played pivotal roles in clinical research across Asia. These approvals build on earlier site activations in Australia and mark another milestone in Race Oncology’s broader trial rollout.
RC220 Trial Targets Doxorubicin Cardiotoxicity
The trial, designated RAC-010, is focused on assessing RC220, a reformulated bisantrene molecule. It is being tested alone and in conjunction with the chemotherapy agent doxorubicin. The research targets patients with solid tumours and is designed to explore RC220’s tolerability and how it interacts with the widely used chemotherapeutic drug.
Medical professionals leading the trial have cited the relevance of studying cardioprotective agents in oncology, particularly for patients undergoing treatment with cardiotoxic regimens. The interest from Hong Kong's healthcare system underscores the regional recognition of unmet needs in cardio-oncology.
Hong Kong Expansion Driven by Strategic Priorities
The inclusion of Hong Kong in the RAC-010 trial is part of Race Oncology’s global development strategy. This move is grounded in three critical objectives:
First, the appointment of well-regarded clinical investigators from each hospital strengthens the trial’s scientific leadership. Second, expanding into Hong Kong is expected to expedite patient recruitment, allowing faster collection of key clinical data. Third, gathering data from East Asian populations adds geographic diversity to the trial results, aligning with regulatory standards in international pharmaceutical markets.
Site Preparations and Patient Onboarding Underway
With formal approvals granted, site activation processes are currently advancing. Investigators at the designated hospitals will soon begin screening patients for eligibility. Only those under medical supervision or formally referred to the study will be considered, and all participants must provide informed consent.
Race Oncology has also indicated plans to introduce up to four additional clinical sites in South Korea, further expanding the global reach of RAC-010. Meanwhile, in Australia, clinical activity continues at locations including Southside Cancer Centre and the Gosford and Wyong Hospitals.
