NanOlogy takes nanoparticle tech into Phase II trials

In the last two weeks, NanOlogy has launched trials evaluating its cancer-fighting paclitaxel nanoparticle suspension in patients with prostate cancer and in patients with ovarian cancer.

The Texas-based company’s nanoparticle tech is based on a production process that cuts the size of chemotherapy crystals by up to 400 times, creating stable nanoparticles with increased surface area and unique geometry, NanOlogy explained. The particles do not require coating agents for stability and are suspended prior to use.

NanOlogy’s dose-rising Phase IIa prostate cancer trial is slated to enroll up to 30 patients who are scheduled for a prostatectomy. Four weeks before their scheduled procedures, patients will receive the company’s NanoPac injected under transrectal ultrasound guidance directly into the tumor site. The company said it plans to assess NanoPac’s safety and tolerability, as well as tumor size change, local lymph nodes and histologic changes.

The company’s Phase II ovarian cancer study is designed to evaluate NanoPac’s safety and efficacy after being intraperitoneally administered following cytoreductive surgery.

NanOlogy is conducting an array of clinical trials for the NanoPac sterile suspension, including studies in pancreatic cancer and pancreatic mucinous cysts. The company is awaiting IND approval to launch a clinical trial for NanoDoce, a nanoparticle formulation of docetaxel.

The company is also running a preclinical efficacy study for an inhaled version of NanoPac. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that lung tissues retain the inhaled nanoparticles for more than 14 days after nebulized delivery.

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