The field of cancer research is certainly buzzing with key research yielding new medications with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes. 

The mind numbingly broad list of diseases and disease subtypes that fall under the ‘cancer’ banner might make it seem like little to no progress is being made in conquering cancer. Look a little deeper and you’ll see the remarkable work of companies worldwide coming to fruition every day. 

Such is the case with Race Oncology (ASX: RAC) who have secured a fifth patent for their cancer drug, Zantrene in the United States. 

Designed as an inhibitor of the fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) protein, Zantrene is being explored for use in melanoma and kidney cancer as well as Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), breast and ovarian cancers. Upregulation and overexpression of the FTO protein has been shown to act as a genetic driver of many cancers. 

Zantrene behaves like a chemotherapy drug but has reduced rates of cardiotoxicity (heart damage) to patients. 

Strengthening their IP position is key for the Company to ensure their market position. 

“This latest US patent provides Race with additional protection around the use, formulation and compositions of Zantrene (and related chemical structures) that improve the therapeutic benefit of Zantrene”, said Company CEO and Managing Director, Philip Lynch. 

En route to commercialisation, the Phase 2 /3 drug is now the subject of a robust set of patents as well as an FDA Orphan Drug designation and Rare Paediatric Disease designation. Race will be seeking FDA approval for Zantrene for a number of AML indications following promising Phase 2 trial results released last year.