Novel Radiosensitizers for Radioresistant Tumors

Breaking Barriers in Cancer Care.

Background

Radiotherapy is pivotal in treating over 50% of cancer patients, but its effectiveness is often hindered by tumor radioresistance and damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Addressing this challenge, we present first-in-class radiosensitizers that selectively enhance tumor cell sensitivity to radiation without adversely affecting normal tissue.

Our approach builds on the groundwork of our own trial, which is the only one to demonstrate therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy with minimal toxicity. This was achieved by limiting sulfasalazine (SAS) administration to three days with a single session of radiotherapy in the recurrent setting. While this trial reported that SAS-potentiated radiotherapy, leading to tumor shrinkage and increased progression-free survival, previous trials highlighted challenges with toxicity and systemic degradation. Using SAS as a lead compound, we have developed derivative candidates optimized for superior efficacy and safety.

Business Opportunity

Radioresistance remains a major obstacle to effective cancer treatment, impacting millions of patients worldwide. Each year, approximately 5 million new cancer cases involve tumors with varying degrees of resistance to radiotherapy. In 2022 alone, cancer claimed 9.7 million lives, with metastasis accounting for nearly two-thirds of these deaths—approximately 6.5 million cases, the vast majority of which exhibit limited radiosensitivity.

Our derivative candidates address this critical unmet need by selectively sensitizing cancer cells to radiation while leaving healthy tissues unaffected. This groundbreaking innovation has the potential to save countless lives, significantly improve treatment outcomes, and address a substantial gap in the oncology market.

Technology

These novel derivative candidates are optimized to inhibit the xCT-glutathione axis, effectively reducing tumor defenses against radiation-induced oxidative stress. Unlike existing approaches, they operate upstream of DNA damage repair mechanisms, ensuring broad applicability across tumor types. Preclinical development highlights the superior efficacy, scalability, and compelling safety profile of these derivatives. We have successfully completed in vitro ADMET studies and are currently preparing to initiate in vivo ADMET studies, further progressing the clinical readiness of these promising radiosensitizers.

Project Status

Preclinical validation demonstrates that the derivative candidates significantly enhance tumor response to radiotherapy in vivo, with no observed toxicity in normal tissues. Patent protection has been filed in key jurisdictions, including Europe, the US, and Canada, ensuring robust intellectual property coverage.

Summary

The derivative candidates represent a breakthrough in oncology, addressing the long-standing challenge of tumor radioresistance. By selectively targeting cancer cells, sparing healthy tissue,

and improving radiotherapy outcomes, they have the potential to redefine cancer treatment standards. Backed by strong preclinical data, robust IP, and a clear commercialization strategy, these innovative radiosensitizers are positioned to meet critical market needs, save lives, and transform cancer care.

Contact Information

For more information or to discuss partnership or licensing opportunities, please contact:

Senior Innovation Manager: Malgorzata Barczyk, PhD

Email: mba@visinnovasjon.no

Phone: +47 480 82 052