The biotechnology company located in the business area of the University of Valencia Science Park (PCUV) closes a round of financing of 15 million euros, which will allow the company to advance in its main compound, BO-112, currently in phase 2b clinical trial for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer
Highlight Therapeutics, a biotechnology company located in the business area of the University of Valencia Science Park (PCUV), has joined forces with the National Center for Oncological Research (CNIO) to target its developments against basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. The collaboration, backed by a €15 million funding round, seeks to boost local immunotherapy that could completely transform the way in which this tumour, traditionally treated with surgery, is treated.
This investment will allow Highlight to advance its main compound, BO-112, currently in phase 2b of clinical trials for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. The treatment has already been shown to be effective against aggressive melanoma tumors, and the current study will extend the use of the product to other tumors.
BO-112, derived from BO-110, is a compound discovered in 2009 by Marisol Soengas' group at the CNIO and represents the institution’s first oncological candidate to reach clinical trials on patients. In turn, it is the main product developed by the company of the UV Sicence Park. The compound acts by simulating a viral infection, activating the immune system to attack tumor cells in several types of cancer, including immuno-resistant tumors.
"In melanoma all the immuno-oncology developed, but that had not been transferred to other skin tumors such as basocellular, because existing treatments are very aggressive and do not justify less lethal pathologies. With this formula, being a local treatment, you leave the good of immunology to activate the system and fight against these tumors and mitigate the negative factors. This does fit the clinical practice of dermatology", Marisol Quintero, CEO of Highlight Therapeutics
According to Marisol Quintero, CEO of Highlight Therapeutics, the therapeutic approach represents a real paradigm shift in the treatment of skin tumors. " In melanoma, all immuno-oncology was developed, but that had not been transferred to other skin tumors such as basocellular, because the existing treatments are very aggressive and are not justified in less lethal pathologies. With this formula, being a local treatment, you leave the good of immunology to activate the system and fight against these tumors and mitigate the negative factors. This does fit into dermatological clinical practice," he says.
Columbus Venture Partners, among the main shareholders
Buenavista Equity Partners, through its specialized fund BV Healthcare Growth Investment I (BHG I) created in collaboration with Columbus Venture Partners, has announced its incorporation into the shareholding of Highlight Therapeutics. Columbus Venture Partners, a partnership made up of various biotechnology companies led by Damià Tormo, who started his career in the University of Valencia Science Park (PCUV) at the company Bioncotech Therapeutics and this year received the Rei Jaume I Business Breakthrough Award.
Quintero said: "Buenavista’s investment helps us to strengthen our team and consolidate ourselves as a leading company in the development of treatments for skin tumors". For his part, Tormo has pointed out the importance of this investment: "It is a type of tumor that one in three will suffer. Many appear around the nose, where surgery leaves important sequelae. Being able to inject a drug and avoid the operating room is a huge step forward. There are even cases where even surgery is not possible that can be addressed," he says.
One of the most common tumors
"The risk of basal cell carcinoma is very high. In fact, it does not even enter the official registers of tumours because, taken together all other types, they are still less frequent than basocellular ones," explains Marisol Quintero. "Practically anyone from the age of 75-80 will have it and with clear phototypes, The majority of cases are already occurring at 50".
This type of skin cancer has a risk of 28% in men and 39% in women. In Europe and the United States alone, more than four million new cases are detected annually, and their incidence doubles every 25 years. Although it is usually a localized tumor that can be removed by surgery, this approach is not always feasible or effective, especially in sensitive areas of the face or in patients with multiple lesions. Hence the urgency of finding more effective and less invasive therapeutic alternatives.
About Highlight Therapeutics
Highlight Therapeutics is dedicated to the development of new drugs in the field of immuno-oncology which is at the clinical stage. This PCUV company’s mission is to develop new advanced therapies based on RNA against new and validated therapeutic targets in cancer and immune cells. Its team of expert scientists in drug development, with the support of different world-renowned scientific and clinical advisors, is dedicated to bringing their therapies to patients.
Hightlight Therapeutics' leading drug, BO-112, induces immunogenic cell death in solid tumors and simultaneously activates the innate immune system to ensure optimal antigen processing and presentation to the adaptive immune system. BO-112 initiates a powerful immune reaction (turning 'cold' tumors into 'hot'), achieving to be a highly synergistic therapy with the inhibitors of the control points of the immune system and thus achieve deep and sustained antitumor responses.
Source: Valencia Plaza, El Referente
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