October 1, 2020 -- Qualigen Therapeutics has extended its research agreement with the University of Louisville (UofL) to advance development of Qualigen's anticancer drug candidate, ALAN.
ALAN (aptamer-linked antinucleolin) is a combination of the foundational aptamer, AS1411, plus a DNA-coated gold nanoparticle that increases the potency of the drug. Qualigen holds the exclusive worldwide license rights for ALAN, which was licensed from UofL.
Under the agreement, animal studies will be conducted to assess antitumor efficacy and safety of different ALAN compositions designed to treat pediatric and adult acute myeloid leukemia. UofL will perform preclinical studies on acute myeloid leukemia and additional indications including glioblastoma. Both parties will investigate how ALAN inhibits metastasis of cancer cells as a potential adjuvant therapy, an unmet clinical need among recurrent cancer patients.
Qualigen is planning to start phase I clinical trials in 2021 for acute myeloid leukemia.