Angiozyme, the promising biotech molecule targeted at colorectal cancer from Mumbai-based biotech company Actis Biologics has entered phase III clinical trials in the country, as part of its global trials. Actis Biologics is considering strategic tie-ups with domestic pharma companies and multinational companies for phase III studies.

The phase III clinical studies are expected to cost the company $ 50 million, a part of which will be funded through soft loans from the department of science and technology, Government of India.

Commenting on the rare achievement, Sanjeev Saxena, chairman and chief executive officer said, “This is a unique feat achieved by the company as very few molecules enter phase III trials. It is for the first time in the world that a biotech molecule based on anti-sense technology is entering phase III trials. The phase III multicentric trials will be conducted among 150 patients in select centres in the country. The trials are expected to be completed within 18 months from now after which the molecule will be launched in the market.” The company is also looking at doing the trials in locations like Malaysia, China, Latin America and the US.

Angiozyme is considered to have several advantages when compared to the existing cancer therapies. “Due to the manufacturing cost advantage, angiozyme is expected to reduce the cost to treat cancer to one-fifth of the conventional costs from several drugs. The molecule is being developed as a sub- dermal injectable, similar to an insulin administration, thereby making it convenient for the patients to administer it in their homes, compared to chemotherapy, which includes hospitalisation and related side-effects,” said P N Venugopalan, president, Actis Biologics.

Angiozyme employs anti-sense technology, whereby it attacks the Vegfr1 receptor (in the body) and hence interrupts the message which tells the body to produce more blood vessels from forming in a cancer zone. Since no blood vessels will be formed in this zone, the tumour cannot form or if it has, it starts to die as the nutrition to these tumor cells in interrupted.

“This is similar to a strategic war which is conducted by defence forces in a war situation. One way is to take the enemy head on (this is what happens in the case of chemo or radiation), obviously tremendous amount of casualties result another is to do a surgical intervention and the third is to cut of the supply chain and make the terrain hostile to the enemy, so this is angiozyme,” said Saxena.