Researchers investigate treatment of cancer cachexia in collaboration with Artelo Biosciences
Posted on: 03 February 2021
Researchers from Trinity College Dublin today embark on a collaboration with Artelo Biosciences, Inc. to investigate pre-clinical models of human cancer cachexia, a wasting syndrome that affects up to 80% of all cancer patients and is believed to hasten death in this population.
Artelo Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of therapeutics that modulate endogenous signaling pathways, including the endocannabinoid system (which is composed of neurotransmitters active in the central nervous system).
The Trinity team, led by Richard K Porter, Associate Professor in Trinity’s School of Biochemistry & Immunology, will work with Artelo’s peripherally restricted cannabinoid receptor agonist, ART27.13, in preclinical models of human cancer cachexia.
Dr Richard K Porter said:
“I am excited to partner with Artelo to expand the research around ART27.13 for the treatment of cachexia. Cachexia, or wasting syndrome, causes metabolic abnormalities resulting in muscle protein loss that is often present in patients with advanced cancer.”
“Even though cancer-induced cachexia has very significant clinical consequences, there is unfortunately a limited amount of research surrounding the pre-clinical mechanisms leading to the syndrome. As a result, I believe this is a very important and exciting area of research as there is the potential of a significant impact on patients’ quality of life during a very vulnerable time in their lives.”
Gregory Gorgas, Artelo President & Chief Executive Officer, said:
“We are delighted to enter into a collaboration with Trinity College Dublin, as this research will be key to advancing our understanding of ART27.13’s breadth of activity and helping us guide future clinical development for this program.
“Dr. Porter has over 30 years of research experience and is an expert in metabolism and bioenergetics. Our goal is to combine this data with the results of our ongoing clinical research in cancer anorexia, which we believe will increase our understanding of potential indications and may enhance future licensing and partnering discussions around ART27.13.”