Latest news with #cytochromeP450
GMA Network
26-05-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
UP biologists use mathematical model to detect early signs of metastasis in breast cancer patients
UP biologists use mathematical model to detect early signs of metastasis in breast cancer patients (Photo from Dr. Michael Velarde) Biologists from the University of the Philippines Diliman have developed a mathematical model that can detect lymphovascular invasion (LVI), an early indicator of metastasis, in breast cancer patients even before a surgical operation. 'If we can detect LVI earlier, doctors could personalize patient treatment and improve their outcomes. This could help avoid ineffective treatments and focus on strategies that work better for aggressive breast cancer,' said Michael Velarde, one of the authors of the study, in a news release by the UP College of Science. LVI is the condition when cancer cells invade the lymphatic and blood vessels which enables them to travel to other body parts. When cancer cells spread to other organs, the process is called metastasis. Tumor must first be surgically removed to detect possible LVI by examining the tissue surrounding it. The scientists determined whether LVI+ breast tumors contain a unique gene signature that could facilitate earlier detection. 'Here, we conducted an integrative analysis of the gene profile between LVI+ and LVI− primary breast tumors from various sources, including published data and our own research, using both microarray and RNA-seq data,' the study's abstract read. The study discovered that the majority of breast cancer patients in the sample also did not respond to anti-cancer drugs, such as doxorubicin and anthracyclines, given before the tumor removal operations. The scientists found that certain genes involved in breaking down anti-cancer drugs, called the UGT1 and CYP genes, are more abundant in patients with LVI. Hence, the drugs are becoming less effective because they are easily broken down. 'An elastic net regression model containing 13 of these uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferases and cytochrome P450 genes can predict LVI status with 92% accuracy,' the abstract read. 'This suggests a potential link to drug resistance, which was further confirmed by the finding that patients with LVI+ tumors had a significantly lower clinical response rate than individuals with LVI− tumors.' However, Velarde said that the regression model they used is still in its early stages of development. But the scientists plan to further validate their results by testing the gene signatures of large groups of cancer patients in the Philippines. 'Importantly, our approach can be implemented in the Philippines using locally available genomic technologies, making earlier detection and tailored treatment more accessible to Filipino patients,' said Velarde. Other biologists behind the study are Allen Joy Corachea, Regina Joyce Ferrer, Lance Patrick Ty, and Madeleine Morta. According to the UPD College of Science, the country has recorded over 33,000 new breast cancer patients in 2022. In the same year, more than 11,000 died, making it the second leading cancer-related death after lung cancer. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/LDF, GMA Integrated News
Miami Herald
06-05-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
Tharimmune Presents Positive Clinical Data Highlighting TH104 Metabolic Profile and Advances Program for Prophylaxis Against Ultrapotent Opioid Exposure Following FDA Feedback
Press Releases Tharimmune Presents Positive Clinical Data Highlighting TH104 Metabolic Profile and Advances Program for Prophylaxis Against Ultrapotent Opioid Exposure Following FDA Feedback Tharimmune, Inc., (Nasdaq:THAR) ("Tharimmune" or the "Company") a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapeutics in inflammation & immunology released pharmacokinetic and metabolism data from its Phase 1 study of TH104, a buccal film formulation of nalmefene, in healthy subjects. Tharimmune recently highlighted the advancement of TH104 for the proposed indication of temporary prophylaxis against respiratory and/or central nervous system depression in military personnel and chemical incident responders exposed to high-potency opioids, following recent positive feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Phase 1 study presented this week at Digestive Disease Week taking place in San Diego, California evaluated the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of a single dose of TH104 (16 mg buccal film) compared to an intravenous (IV) dose of nalmefene injection (1 mg) in healthy volunteers. The study successfully demonstrated that buccal administration of TH104 achieves systemic exposure to nalmefene while offering a distinct metabolic profile compared to IV administration. Phases of drug metabolism (such as phase 1 and phase 2) denote the "breaking down" and "tagging" of drugs, generally into molecules known as metabolites, by the liver to prepare them for removal. The key difference with drugs taken by mouth is the "first-pass effect," where the drug goes through the liver's processing immediately after being absorbed from the gut, before the drug circulates throughout the body. Drugs injected into the bloodstream bypass this initial liver processing generally leading to more drug circulating in the body before being metabolized. Key findings from the pharmacokinetic study presented at the Digestive Disease Week 2025 included: Buccal administration of TH104 resulted in slower absorption compared to IV administration The ratio of the area under the curve (AUC) of nalmefene glucuronide, a metabolite, compared to nalmefene was significantly higher for TH104 versus IV administration Pharmacokinetics of nalmefene sulfate and nornalmefene, 2 other metabolites, were significantly delayed with TH104 compared to IV administration Both formulations showed early phase 2 metabolism (glucuronidation), but importantly, TH104 demonstrated delayed phase 1 metabolism, which is mainly catalyzed by enzymes such as cytochrome P450 oxidases in the liver By attenuating the burden on hepatic metabolic pathways, TH104 may represent a novel therapeutic candidate for individuals with impaired liver function. The altered pharmacokinetic profile, particularly the delayed onset of phase 1 metabolism observed with buccal administration may confer a potential advantage in populations with impaired hepatic function, and may be important in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). PBC is a rare cholestatic liver disease frequently associated with intractable pruritus. Tharimmune is also advancing TH104 as a therapeutic agent for the management of moderate-to-severe chronic pruritus in PBC patients. "The compelling pharmacokinetic data from our Phase 1 study not only supports the continued development of TH104 for symptomatic pruritus in liver disease by highlighting a potentially liver-friendly metabolic profile but importantly provides a crucial foundation for our accelerated development pathway in the opioid prophylaxis setting," said Randy Milby, CEO of Tharimmune. "The positive feedback from the FDA, namely a 505(b)(2) submission without the need for additional clinical trials for the prophylaxis indication is a transformative milestone for Tharimmune and positions TH104 as our lead program to address a critical unmet need for military personnel and first responders facing the threat of high-potency opioid exposure." The Phase 1 results in healthy subjects also demonstrated comparable safety and tolerability between TH104 and IV nalmefene, with only mild adverse events reported. Building on the favorable pharmacokinetic and safety profile, Tharimmune is advancing TH104 as a critical medical countermeasure product. Following positive feedback from the FDA, Tharimmune is pursuing a 505(b)(2) regulatory pathway for TH104 for the temporary prophylaxis of respiratory and/or CNS depression in military personnel and chemical incident responders who may encounter environments contaminated with high-potency opioids, including weaponized fentanyl and its analogues. The FDA has indicated that no additional clinical trials appear to be necessary prior to the submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) for this indication, allowing Tharimmune to leverage existing safety and efficacy data for nalmefene along with the pharmacokinetic data generated with the TH104 buccal film. This expedited pathway underscores the urgent need for such a prophylactic solution, particularly for chemical incident responders operating in high-risk environments where exposure to highly potent opioids is a potential threat to national security. The buccal film formulation offers a distinct advantage for rapid and convenient administration, even when personnel are wearing protective gear. About Tharimmune, Inc. Tharimmune is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a diverse portfolio of therapeutic candidates in immunology, inflammation and oncology. Its lead clinical asset, TH104, is being developed for a specific indication via a 505(b)2 pathway for respiratory and/or nervous system depression in military personnel and chemical incident responders who may encounter environments contaminated with high-potency opioids. The expanded pipeline includes other indications for TH104, such as chronic pruritus in primary biliary cholangitis and TH023, a new approach to treating autoimmune diseases along with an early-stage multispecific biologic platform targeting unique epitopes against multiple solid tumors through its proprietary EpiClick™ Technology. The Company has a license agreement with OmniAb, Inc. to access their antibody discovery technology for targeting specified disease markers. Tharimmune continues to position itself as a leader in patient-centered innovation while working to deliver long-term value for shareholders. For more information, visit: Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, contained in this press release, including statements regarding the timing and design of Tharimmune's future Phase 2 trial, Tharimmune's strategy, future operations, future financial position, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "depends," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "target," "should," "will," "would," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. The Company may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences, include, but are not limited to, those discussed under Risk Factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other periodic reports filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this release. Subsequent events and developments may cause the Company's views to change; however, the Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or to reflect the occurrences of unanticipated events, except as may be required by applicable law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of this release. Contacts: Tharimmune, Inc. ir@ Alliance Advisors IR Tirth T. Patel tpatel@ 212-201-6614 SOURCE: Tharimmune Inc. This story was originally published May 6, 2025 at 8:06 AM.
