#USA #cancer therapy #Vascarta #CUNY #Summit, New Jersey

Vascarta and CUNY Collaboration: A New Dawn in Chemotherapy

In a groundbreaking partnership, Vascarta Inc. has secured exclusive rights to a unique methodology developed at the City University of New York (CUNY). This innovative approach aims to create more effective cancer therapies that come with a significant reduction in side effects. By strategically linking established anti-cancer drugs with curcumin—a compound known for its numerous health benefits—scientists are looking to redefine the landscape of cancer treatment.

CUNY has developed a novel linker chemistry that combines powerful chemotherapy agents such as paclitaxel, gemcitabine, doxorubicin, and methotrexate with curcumin. This technique ensures that the pairing enhances the efficacy of both the chemotherapy agents and curcumin, particularly after the compound has penetrated the cancer cells. Early preclinical studies show promising results, especially in the treatment of stubborn glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer.

Promising Results from Preclinical Trials

Initial tests involving glioblastoma have demonstrated remarkable outcomes, with nearly two-thirds of what are typically considered incurable tumors going into remission. Additionally, a linked gemcitabine-curcumin molecule has displayed effective tumoricidal properties when delivered using Vascarta's proprietary gel, known as Vasporta™. The administration methods—both intraperitoneally and transdermally—have shown high efficacy, accentuating the advantages of this collaboration.

One of the notable challenges with traditional chemotherapy methods is their interaction with the immune system, which cancer often exploits to survive. In many cases, standard chemotherapeutic agents generate oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to a variety of adverse side effects such as nausea and fatigue. More troubling are the autoimmune responses triggered by some targeted therapies, which can greatly hinder patient recovery. Moreover, conventional chemotherapy rarely penetrates the blood-brain barrier, leaving glioblastomas particularly resistant to treatment.

Innovative Solutions through Linker Chemistry

The linker chemistry developed by CUNY offers a promising solution to these issues, as it facilitates immune activation within tumors without provoking widespread autoimmune responses. Curcumin's inherent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties serve to mitigate the common side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy. Importantly, these linked molecules can cross the blood-brain barrier, providing new avenues for treating neurological cancers.

In partnership with Vasporta™, a transdermal drug delivery system, the linked chemotherapeutic agents can offer a more user-friendly, less painful alternative to conventional intravenous (IV) infusions. This transdermal approach could significantly enhance patient experience during treatment

Insights from Industry Experts

Dr. Probal Banerjee, a professor at CUNY and the creator of the linker chemistry, expressed excitement about the potential of these new linked molecules. He stated, "These new linked compounds are demonstrating significantly enhanced anti-cancer efficacy, suggesting a shift toward a new paradigm in cancer treatment."

Dr. Joel Friedman from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine also highlighted the benefits of these linked compounds for patient administration, emphasizing that they improve curcumin's bioavailability and ease of use for patients.

Dr. Richard Prince, CEO of Vascarta, shared his optimism for the innovation, stating, "We anticipate these novel linked molecules will significantly benefit cancer patients. Our focus will be on collaborating with pharmaceutical companies who specialize in oncology to develop and commercialize these groundbreaking, patent-protected compounds."

About Vascarta and CUNY

Vascarta Inc. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company based in New Jersey, dedicated to pioneering advancements in drug delivery systems. Their Vasporta™ system exemplifies their commitment to innovation in therapeutics. The City University of New York, established in 1847, continues to be a stalwart of public higher education in the United States, offering robust programs that forge scientific advances and community engagement.

For further insights and updates, individuals interested can visit Vascarta's official website and explore collaboration opportunities in the expanding field of cancer treatment.