Solid tumours are notoriously difficult to treat. A recently discovered cancer protein could be the reason why. The protein, known as Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), acts as a tumour’s defense mechanism. It hinders the effects of chemotherapy and shields the cancer from the body’s immune system. It also plays an important role in tumours’ ability to spread.

In order to treat tumours more effectively, oncology research is turning its attention to a new class of drug: FAK inhibitors. These supplementary drugs are intended to remove the tumour’s defence mechanisms with the aim of making cancer killing drugs work more effectively.

Amplia Therapeutics (ASX: ATX) is a pharmaceutical company developing one of these drugs. Known as AMP945, the drug could improve outcomes for patients with hard-to-treat cancers such as pancreatic cancer.

“Cancer patients often don’t fully respond to treatments. Most cancer drugs attack the cancer directly by poisoning it or starving it. This is fine when it works but tumours are cunning. They mount a defensive response that blunts the oncology drugs and that often leads to poor responses in patients,” said Amplia CEO, John Lambert in his investor briefing on ‘The Insider.’

As FAK is also pivotal in the development and progression of fibrosis, AMP945 could also be used to treat fibrotic diseases such as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Left untreated, IPF patients have a life expectancy of 2 to 3 years. Although there are some treatments available, they only extend a patient’s life by a median 2.5 years.

“The current drugs only slow the progression. They’re unable to reverse it and they have significant side effects that impact on patient’s quality of life,” said John.

At the start of October, Amplia launched its first Phase 1 clinical trials of AMP945. The Phase 1 trial will create the platform for further clinical studies for the drug’s use in cancer and fibrosis patients. The results are expected in the middle of 2021. Amplia is also developing opportunities to license, partner and co-develop other applications including other cancer combination therapies, fibrotic diseases and in uveal melanoma.

“The past 12 to 18 months have seen Amplia go through some pretty considerable growth. Our share price is four times what it was this time last year,” said John.

 Looking forward, Amplia is expecting a lot of positive news over the next 12 to 18 months.

“We’ll be reading out the results [of the Phase 1 trials]. We expect to be able to confirm the indications and combination therapy so we can test AMP945 in cancer patients. We’ll be able to recruit clinical trial patients in the US and thereby increase our exposure to one of the biggest markets and the most important global regulatory body, the FDA,” said John.

Last week, Amplia’s CEO John Lambert joined us for ‘The Insider’ (previously Meet The CEOs). You can watch a recording of the session below, or you can click here to book into our next session.

‘The Insider’ is a great way to hear directly from the CEOs of fast growing Australian businesses. You will get valuable insights to their industries and companies future prospects.

The Insider – Event Details: Date: Wednesday, 18th November Time: 12 pm AEDT Format: Online, 3 x 15 minute presentations

This is a free event. Click here to book your spot.

Sources:

• Targeting focal adhesion kinase in cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment
• Amplia Investor Introduction