AndroBioSys Inc.
This article was originally published in Start Up
Executive Summary
AndroBioSys is pursuing a dual strategy for treating prostate disease: it's running a contract research business while it builds a therapeutic pipeline. One of the company's programs is based on the discovery of a novel enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is the most potent activator of the androgen receptor. Another program focuses on a target on prostate cancer stem cells that makes them resistant to chemotherapy. The company is working on developing an assay to detect circulating prostate cancer stem cells, which could guide physicians in determining how aggressively to treat the patient. The next step would be to develop a therapy capable of eliminating such cells.
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Start-Up Previews (03/2009)
A preview of the emerging health care companies profiled in the current issue of Start-Up. This month's profile group, "Treating Late-Stage Prostate Cancer," features profiles of AndroBioSys, Bellicum Pharmaceuticals, Colby Pharmaceuticals and Med Discovery. Plus these Start-Ups Across Health Care: AeonClad Biomedical, Arete Therapeutics, Bonovo Orthopedics and Thrasos Therapeutics.
Med Discovery SA
Switzerland's Med Discovery was founded on the discovery of a prostate cancer target, human kallikrein 2, a key protease associated with prostate biology that is thought to contribute to cancer progression and development. The start-up's lead protease inhibitor targets hK2 and is based on the natural serine protease inhibitor ACT, which the company believes will avoid the selectivity and toxicities of other protease inhibitors. Med Discovery is developing the candidate for prostate cancer, but it believes it also has potential for treating skin disorders and for immunological treatment of cancer.
Treating Late-Stage Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer was the cause of 28,666 deaths in 2008, or 10% of cancer deaths in the US, and roughly 186,000 men are diagnosed with the disease each year. Docetaxel, a chemotherapeutic agent, is the only FDA-approved drug to treat late-stage prostate cancer, leaving a significant need that many biotechs and pharmaceutical firms are trying to meet. Results are starting to roll in from several key clinical trials of late-stage prostate cancer therapies. Start-ups embarking on drug development may face significant competition.