ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, an oncology focused biotechnology company, and National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) have signed a memorandum of understanding that will further enhance the study of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of gastric cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (liver) and cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct), three common forms of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers that are particularly prevalent in Asia.

Under the terms of the MoU, ASLAN and NCCS will initiate a number of collaborative projects focused on increasing the understanding of novel combinations of known therapeutic agents, including ASLAN’s clinical development programmes (ASLAN001 and ASLAN002), through pre-clinical research involving patient-derived cell lines and xenograft models. In addition, the parties will jointly conduct clinical trials studying novel treatments for Asia-prevalent cancers.

To encourage a broader clinical understanding of gastric cancers in the region, ASLAN and NCCS will host a series of disease symposiums in Asia. The symposiums, which will include a dedicated biannual cholangiocarcinoma symposium in Singapore, will bring together GI cancer scientists and clinicians to share research breakthroughs and facilitate knowledge exchange.

Overall, GI cancers are responsible for more deaths than any other types of cancer. Worldwide, gastric cancer has one of the highest incidence rates, with 952,000 new cases diagnosed in 2012. In Asia, gastric cancer is the third most common cancer after breast and liver, and is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Asia. There are currently no effective treatments approved for cholangiocarcinoma, a rare tumour comprising of only 3 per cent of GI tumours but with geographically heterogeneous prevalence whereby the highest rates are in Asia, notably Southeast Asia.

Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Bertil Lindmark, chief scientific officer of ASLAN, said “There is a pressing need to address the inadequate treatment options for GI cancers and we are delighted to be strengthening our relationship with NCCS to explore novel treatment combinations which have the potential to displace traditional chemotherapy options. Our highly-experienced team has a broad understanding of the epidemiological trends specific to cancer in Asia and, leveraging the world-class research capabilities of NCCS, we are well-positioned to accelerate treatment options for patients in the region and globally.”

Professor Soo Khee Chee, director, NCCS added "We are delighted to be working with another Singapore-based pharmaceutical company to help develop new treatment for especially the difficult cancers that we encounter in our region.

"With the enthusiasm and drive from ASLAN and our critical clinical needs, we can forge a very strong partnership to benefit our patients. We will also help to achieve our national goal of being a leading biomedical science centre in the region."