University of Wollongong: New cancer drug formulations to be tested in Wollongong labs

Researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW) and the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) will soon be undertaking pre-clinical evaluation of new Zantrene® formulations designed by Race Oncology as part of a new research collaboration.

The program will be led by Professor Marie Ranson from UOW’s Molecular Horizons in partnership with Race Oncology’s Principal Scientist, Professor Michael Kelso, a former UOW academic and IHMRI affiliated researcher.

Professor Ranson is an esteemed cancer biologist based at IHMRI, with extensive experience in drug development and formulation.

“This is an exciting and valuable collaboration for Race as we develop new Zantrene® formulations and expand our pipeline. We are very much looking forward to working with Professor Ranson on this important program,” says Race Oncology’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Daniel Tillett.

Race Oncology is developing new Zantrene® formulations that offer the potential for long-acting peripheral (IV) administration in an outpatient setting. Current administration of Zantrene® requires the use of a central venous catheter in a hospital setting. While this is standard practice for the delivery of many chemotherapy drugs, longer-acting and more patient-friendly routes of administration are desirable.

The collaboration also aims to advance development of formulation approaches that could allow Zantrene® to be delivered orally.

“Zantrene® shows immense promise as an effective new cancer drug, the opportunity to work with Race to develop new drug formulations that could translate into tangible benefits for cancer patients is extremely exciting,” says Professor Ranson.