Resverlogix is developing a novel approach to treat cancers that evade the immune system, by stimulating immune cells to specifically target and kill cancerous cells. The TGF-β Shield™ utilizes a protein to enhance the body’s natural ability to detect and destroy cancer. The TGF-β Shield™ is also being developed to treat fibrotic diseases of the lung, liver, kidney, eye and cardiovascular system.
Anti-cancer therapy
According to the American Cancer Society, cancer is estimated to affect 1 in 3 individuals and more than 1.3 million new cases will be diagnosed in 2006. The National Institutes of Health estimated overall annual costs at US $209.9 billion (in 2005). The market for cancer therapeutics is expected to generate sales in excess of US $60 billion globally by 2010.
Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled growth and proliferation of abnormal cells. It is now known that certain cancers evade the immune system by secreting TGF-β into the extracellular matrix to hide their presence from the cancer killing immune cells. Thus making TGF- β an attractive therapeutic target to treat the disease. Our scientists are investigating the ability of a naturally occurring protein to inhibit the detrimental effects of TGF-β on the immune system.
Anti-fibrosis Therapy
Fibrotic disease is a general term for diseases resulting from excessive deposition of the extracellular matrix and formation of pathological scar tissue in an organ or tissue. IMS Health estimates that this represents the third largest disease category representing billions of dollars in direct and indirect costs to health systems globally. Empirical evidence has shown fibrosis to be a major cause of morbidity and premature mortality.
TGF-β is an essential growth factor that regulates cell proliferation, differentiation and the extracellular matrix formation in the wound healing process. When dysregulated, it can result in excessive scarring and eventual tissue fibrosis that can lead to organ failure and death. Currently, a significant unmet medical need exists for safe and effective anti-fibrotic therapies. We are currently examining the effects of our technology in suitable animal models of fibrosis.
