#USA #West Lafayette #Akston #Canine Cancer #Ambifect

Pioneering A New Frontier in Canine Cancer Treatment

Akston, a biotechnology company focused on pets, is taking a significant step towards revolutionizing canine cancer therapy with its new Ambifect® immuno-enhancing protein. Recently, the company commenced a clinical trial at Purdue University, introducing its first patient, Rocco, an 11-year-old Dutch Shepherd diagnosed with high-grade soft tissue sarcoma. This study marks a pivotal moment in Akston's ambition to redefine the way cancer in dogs is treated.

The Ambifect® Approach

Ambifect® therapy primarily targets the PD-L1 protein found on cancer cells, aiming to stimulate the immune system to fight against solid tumors in dogs. This innovative treatment is designed to be administered through an intramuscular injection, significantly reducing the frequency of treatments typically associated with cancer care. The goal is to improve accessibility to advanced cancer treatments for pet owners while also lowering overall costs.

Dr. Todd Zion, co-founder and CEO of Akston, stated, “With our Ambifect® immune-enhancing therapy, we’re reimagining cancer treatment for pets. By leveraging our proprietary platform, we believe we can effectively transform the dog's own immune system into a durable anti-cancer defense.”

This announcement comes with high hopes not just from scientists but also from pet families who are often left with limited options regarding canine oncology.

Rocco's Journey

The stakes are particularly personal for Rocco’s family. After a promising surgery to remove his tumor, Rocco's condition worsened when the tumor returned shortly after. By being the first participant in the clinical trial, Rocco embodies a beacon of hope for many families facing similar challenges. The trial is spearheaded by noted veterinarians Shawna Klahn, DVM, and Nikolaos Dervisis, DVM, focusing on the treatment’s safety, tolerability, and potential efficacy.

Not only is this trial assessing immediate results, but it also plans to analyze biomarkers that could indicate how individual dogs are responding to the therapy, helping evoke a deeper understanding of canine cancer treatment moving forward.

Future Implications

Ambifect® builds upon Akston's previous ventures, including its leading anti-cPD-L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) product, which is already in trials for dogs afflicted with bladder carcinoma and is expected to achieve USDA conditional licensure by 2029. The company’s end goal presents a multi-layered approach to combating aggressive cancers in canines, potentially laying the groundwork for future immunotherapy options for both pets and humans.

The broader implications of this research could transform the landscape of veterinary oncology. Akston’s technology aims to deliver advanced therapies at a fraction of traditional costs, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of dogs and pushing the industry towards better and more affordable cancer care.

About Akston

Founded with the mission to innovate healthcare for pets, Akston’s patented Fc-fusion protein platform is at the heart of its development efforts. This platform creates durable and effective cancer therapies that promise to not only meet but exceed the treatment needs of millions of pets worldwide. Akston's commitment to integrating advanced research into practical solutions ensures that innovative treatments reach the hands of veterinarians swiftly.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is renowned for its commitment to veterinary biomedical research. With a student population exceeding 105,000 and a track record of excellence in public research, the institution focuses on making the latest advances in veterinary medicine accessible to the community.

As this trial unfolds, pet owners and the veterinary community alike will be watching closely, eager to see how this new era in canine cancer therapy develops.