Successful combination of Alpha1H with chemotherapy
Alpha1H shows significant promise as a new and effective cancer drug with low toxicity in a clinical bladder cancer study. Now, a new, pre-clinical discovery shows that Alpha1H also improves the therapeutic efficacy of other cancer drugs. By combining Alpha1H with low doses of chemotherapeutic agents, an increase in treatment efficacy was observed. The findings suggest that that in addition to acting as a cancer drug on its own, Alpha1H may be used in combination with chemotherapy, to further improve therapeutic efficacy.
This combination effect was demonstrated in a bladder cancer model in mice. Drugs such as Mitomycin C and Epirubicin, which are widely used for intravesical chemotherapy, reduce tumor recurrence rates, but with significant side effects. The new results suggest that, thanks to Alpha1H, it may be possible to achieve a unique combination effect, improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects of chemotherapy.
Alpha1H shows clear efficacy as a stand-alone therapeutic agent in bladder cancer patients, and is under continuous, active development. The new pre-clincal findings in mice potentially widen the options to also use Alpha1H in combination with other drugs. The use of combination therapies is widespread, chiefly to increase cancer treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.
A preliminary statement from the Czech authority, SUKL, indicates that it will be possible to include combination therapy in the ongoing bladder cancer study. Hamlet Pharma has therefore decided to continue the clinical trial with combination therapy, by submitting a substantial amendment for formal approval.
‘’ In addition to its treatment effects, Alpha1H is opening doors to exciting new treatment options, potentially facilitating clinical access’’ says Catharina Svanborg, founder, CMO and chairman of the board of Hamlet Pharma Ltd.
“The use of Alpha1H to increase the efficacy of chemotherapy is very interesting to explore in clinical trials”says Mats Persson, CEO of Hamlet Pharma Ltd.
For more information, please contact
Catharina Svanborg, Chairperson of the board, Hamlet Pharma, +46 709 42 65 49
Mats Persson, CEO Hamlet Pharma, +46 705 17 67 57
About HAMLET Pharma
HAMLET Pharma, listed on Spotlight, develops drugs based on the unique tumoricidal protein-lipid complex, HAMLET, formed by two natural and harmless molecules found in breast milk. Development focuses primarily on drugs, for the treatment and prevention of cancer. HAMLET kills tumour cells and has proven safe in proof-of-concept studies in animal models. Alpha1H is the synthetic variant of HAMLET, which has enabled development of the agent for clinical trials. Alpha1H kills different types of tumour cells and has demonstrated therapeutic effects on bladder cancer in animal models. Hamlet Pharma has one ongoing Phase I/II clinical trial with Alpha1H in patients with bladder cancer, a costly form of cancer that is difficult to treat, and intends to expand its activities into other types of cancer. The first results from the ongoing clinical Phase I/II study shows no side effects of Alpha1H, indicating that the treatment is safe and well tolerated. Alpha1H also demonstrated clinical efficacy compared with patients who received placebo.