GlycoMira Therapeutics announced that it received a $2.8M award from the National Institutes of Health to develop its lead compound, GM-1111, as a therapeutic for oral mucositis arising from radiation treatment of head and neck cancers. The award will enable the completion of the requisite pre-clinical studies necessary for filing an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to initiate human clinical trials.
Oral mucositis is a common, debilitating complication characterized by painful, severe ulcerations of the mouth that develop in head and neck cancer patients receiving chemoradiation therapy. The disease substantially degrades quality of life and compromises treatment and prognosis. Over 67K new head and neck cancer cases occur annually in the U.S., and the global market for the treatment of such cancers is projected to reach $2.3B by 2025.
GlycoMira’s pivotal studies in pre-clinical models demonstrate a significant reduction in the occurrence and severity of oral mucositis. Significant reductions in tumor volume were additionally observed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma models when GM-1111 was administered as an adjuvant to radiation therapy. GM-1111 is believed to suppress tumor growth by blocking innate immune receptors and angiogenic factor-mediated cell signaling, as well as inhibiting cancer stem cell growth which is expected to improve therapeutic outcomes.
Dr. Stephen Sonis, Professor of Oral Medicine at Harvard stated, “Oral mucositis remains a common and devastating side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. Critically, it is often a reason why patients are unable to complete optimal anti-cancer treatment. I am excited to collaborate with the GlycoMira team so that we can accelerate the move of their innovative technology into the clinic.”
About GlycoMira:
GlycoMira Therapeutics is a privately owned Salt Lake City based biopharmaceutical company focused on the pre-clinical development of innovative anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating therapeutics for oncology applications. The Company’s lead compound, GM-1111, is a unique synthetic glycosaminoglycan with potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. To date, GlycoMira has received over $12M in NIH funding to support the development of GM-1111 for unmet medical needs.
For more information on GlycoMira Therapeutics and its therapeutic development programs visit: www.glycomira.com
Media Contact
Company Name: GlycoMira Therapeutics, Inc.
Contact Person: Justin Savage
Email: Send Email
Phone: 801-649-3999
Address:675 Arapeen Dr. Suite 302
City: Salt Lake City
State: UT 84108
Country: United States
Website: www.glycomira.com
