Oncology-focused biotech company Blaze Bioscience today released clinical data from the Phase 1 study of its Tumor Paint BLZ-100 in pediatric brain cancer patients, touting that the agent was well tolerated.
Data from the study was presented at the 4th Biennial Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Basic and Translational Research Conference in New York.
The BLZ-100 is the company’s 1st Tumor Paint product which consists of an Optide and fluorescent dye which emits light in the near-infrared range. The company’s Tumor Paint products are designed to provide real-time, high-resolution intraoperative visualization of cancer cells to enable more accurate resection.
“We are continually inspired by our pediatric patients and their families, and aim to provide the best outcomes possible for these children. Successful surgery is a foundation of treatment and extent of resection is the single best predictor of survival in pediatric patients with brain tumors. I believe BLZ-100 as an aid to surgery has tremendous potential and look forward to further clinical testing in the pediatric population,” study principal investigator Dr. Sarah Leary of Seattle Children’s Hospital said in a preapred statement.
The company claims that the agent has the potential to “aid surgoens in achieving maximal safe surgical resection,” and said that data from the trial showed that the agent was well tolerated in the dose levels studied with tumor fluorescence observed in a majority of evaluated tumors. The data also supported dose selection for the ongoing dose expansion phase of the study, Blaze Biosciences said.
“The results to date from the ongoing Phase 1 study are very encouraging. Current treatment for pediatric brain cancer all too often has a devastating impact on subsequent childhood development. Disease symptoms in conjunction with harsh treatment options such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy have lasting negative effects on a developing body. We are dedicated to improving pediatric brain cancer surgery to achieve better survival and quality of life for children with brain cancer,” prez & CEO Heather Franklin said in a press release.
