Sustained Therapeutics Launches Innovative Phase II/III trial for Rare Cancer Treatment

Sustained Therapeutics announces the launch of a crucial Phase II/III human trial for its groundbreaking medication aimed at treating Upper Tract Urethral Carcinoma, a rare cancer (UTUC). This malignancy, which affects approximately 6,000 patients annually in North America, is a significant challenge in the field of oncology due to its rarity and complexity.

A New Approach to Cancer Treatment

The company's innovative product, dubbed "ST-02", marks a departure from traditional cancer treatments. Unlike conventional methods that rely on infusion or systemic delivery, ST-02 is administered directly to the carcinoma site in the renal pelvis through a ureteric catheter. This method allows for a slow release of the medication, potentially offering significant advantages over the current standard care for UTUC.

The development of ST-02 is based on Sustained Therapeutics' proprietary sustained release platform technology, which stands at the forefront of modern medical innovation.

Collaborative Clinical Trial

This Investigator Sponsored Trial (IST), led by Dr. Peter Black of the Vancouver Prostate Centre (VPC), has received a green light from Health Canada, symbolized by the issuance of a No Objection Letter (NOL). The trial, funded by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, will initially involve 25 patients across various Canadian sites, including the VPC. Success in these early stages could lead to an expansion of the trial to include an additional 50 patients throughout North America, subject to regulatory approval.

Dr. Martin Gleave, Chief Medical Officer at Sustained Therapeutics, expressed optimism about the trial:

 "ST-02 has significant potential to treat this rare cancer, and the NOL from Health Canada is a very positive first step to evaluate this approach in this cancer, where surgical removal of the kidney is often the only effective treatment option."

His sentiments were echoed by Mr. William Annett, CEO of Sustained Therapeutics, who highlighted the unique delivery mechanism of ST-02, designed for prolonged chemotherapy exposure directly at the cancer site: 

“ST-02 is designed for extended exposure in the renal pelvis, where the cancer is located, by coating the tissue and delivering chemotherapy for longer, right where it is needed. This is potentially a very important new development for patients suffering from UTUC. If successful, it demonstrates that our platform technology can be used for multiple different extended-release products.”

Potential for Broader Impact

The successful development of ST-02 could not only revolutionize the treatment of UTUC but also demonstrate the versatility of Sustained Therapeutics' platform technology in producing a range of extended-release medical products. This trial represents a beacon of hope, not just for UTUC patients, but for the future of targeted cancer therapy.