Technology Portfolio Detail - ITEK - The Commercialisation Company of the University of South Australia

Most tumours produce an excess of factors that contribute to their own vascularisation and uncontrolled, cancerous growth. The oxygen supply to these tumours is enhanced by factors (including HIF1a & 2a) that promote vascular growth in response to low oxygen, however there is significant evidence to suggest other factors enhance their activity without a low oxygen requirement. This technology is based around a novel modification to HIF-2a that stabilizes it during normal oxygen concentration, thereby promoting vascularisation of tumours and tumour growth. A peptide molecule that specifically blocks and inhibits this action has been developed as a specific anti-cancer drug candidate intended to eliminate tumours and prevent their growth. The candidate has performed well in in vivo studies in mice.