PreveCeutical Medical Inc (CSE:PREV) (OTCMKTS:PRVCF) has announced positive results from the preliminary screening of key peptides from its scorpion venom-derived peptide research program that are set to pave the way for the creation of peptide therapies taking aim at brain cancer.
Via preliminary screening in a glioblastoma cell-based assay, PreveCeutical’s researchers succeeded in identifying four lead peptides from blue scorpion venom that inhibit the activity of a target protein that features in the progression of certain aggressive brain cancers.
READ: PreveCeutical explores partnerships with pharma and biotech companies for co-development of its Sol-Gel nasal delivery system
“We have identified novel, lead peptide candidates that inhibit activity of a key protein implicated in driving the aggressive nature of certain brain cancers,” said Dr Harry Parekh, PreveCeutical’s chief research officer. “From a practical perspective, these lead peptides are attractive as they are a fraction of the size and complexity of an earlier reported scorpion-derived peptide, Chlorotoxin.”
Dr Mak Jawadekar, president of PreveCeutical, was equally impressed.
“This is a key milestone for PreveCeutical, as this research program underway in Queensland, Australia has successfully identified four lead peptides from blue scorpion venom.” he said in a statement.
READ: PreveCeutical says C$16.25M Crushedit supply deal and Asterion Cannabis licensing deal among 2018 milestones
Headquartered in Vancouver, PreveCeutical is a health sciences company with five research and development programs. Its research efforts include dual gene therapy for diabetes and obesity, a soluble gel drug delivery program, Nature Identical peptides for the treatment of various ailments, non-addictive analgesic peptides as a replacement for morphine, fentanyl and oxycodone and a therapeutic product for treating athletes who suffer from concussions. PreveCeutical also sells CELLB9, an immune system booster containing minerals extracted from a peptide obtained from blue scorpion venom.
Preveceutical shares held steady at $0.035 in Monday’s morning trading session.
Contact Ellen Kelleher at ellen@proactiveinvestors.com