Anticancer Drug TAR-1 Heading for Commercial Exploitation

TAR-1 binds to and restores the wild-type active conformation of mutant p53 protein with a high degree of specificity, leading to in vivo inhibition of tumor growth.

Ramot (Tel Aviv, Israel), the technology transfer company owned by Tel Aviv University has licensed TAR-1 to Champions Biotechnology, Inc. (Baltimore, MD, USA). Champions will use its proprietary Biomerk Tumorgraft modeling system to evaluate the activity of TAR-1 and determine the best path forward for the compound in regards to indication, patient population, and potential drug combinations.

The Tumorgraft modeling system utilizes the implantation of primary human tumors in immune-deficient mice within hours after the sample is taken from the patient. The Tumorgrafts are then propagated in a manner that preserves the biological properties of the human tumor. The Tumorgrafts are not passaged in tissue culture and thus differ from traditional xenograft models. Histologic and molecular studies have shown that Tumorgraft models maintain the fundamental genotypic features of the original cancer, represent the genetic heterogeneity of the cancer, and do not change through several passages.

Ramot will receive an upfront payment and will be eligible to receive milestone payments and royalties.

"Licensing TAR-1 demonstrates the progression of our strategy to build our own Tumorgraft-driven pipeline of oncology drugs, which we expect to yield improved clinical development success rates," said Guy Malchi, head of corporate development and international operations at Champions Biotechnology. "We were impressed by the potential of TAR-1 and we are planning to continue to in-license oncology drug candidates with compelling science and to develop only those with positive Tumorgraft results."

"We are excited to work with Champions Biotechnology. Their predictive platform and experienced scientific and clinical team make them an ideal candidate to move TAR-1 forward into the clinic and on the path to commercialization," said Dr. Ze'ev Weinfeld, CEO of Ramot.

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Champions Biotechnology, Inc.
Ramot