TLN-4601 (Formerly ECO-4601)
TLN-4601 is a proprietary first-in-class small molecule with the potential to treat multiple solid tumours. like the well known chemotherapeutics, doxorubicin and mitomycin C. TLN-4601 is a natural product derived from a non-pathogenic micro-organism. Discovered using Thallion’s DECIPHER® technology, TLN-4601 has completed preclinical studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute and Thallion to establish safety and efficacy in animal and in vitro models.
The preclinical data suggests that TLN-4601 has a novel mechanism of action with dual activity. TLN-4601 is a potent inhibitor of the RAS-mitogen-activated phosphokinase (MAPK) pathway, a validated target for a number of commercially available oncology treatments. TLN-4601 acts at the centre of the pathway inhibiting RAS activation, leading to the inhibition of downstream intracellular events. In addition, TLN-4601 also binds selectively to the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) that appear to be over-expressed a variety of different tumour types. This selective binding may concentrate the drug in the tumour tissue where it is most needed.
Thallion recently completed a two-part Phase I/II trial for TLN-4601, which examined the compound's safety, pharmacologic profile and anti-tumour efficacy for the treatment of advanced solid tumours. The dose-escalation part of the trial included colorectal, ovarian, duodenal and glioma patients. TLN-4601 was safe, well tolerated and there was no maximum tolerated dose attained. Of the seven patients that received at least six cycles of treatment, four demonstrated stable disease. In the second portion of the trial, 12 additional patients were treated with the highest dose, as determined in the first portion of the study, to obtain additional safety and pharmacokinetic data, as well as an early indication of the compound's clinical efficacy. The Company recently announced that its upcoming Phase II trial will evaluate TLN-4601 as a monotherapy treatment for patients with glioblastoma multiforme, an advanced form of brain cancer, as a second line therapy.