Tiltan Combo for Cancer
The number four is of special significance to Tiltan Pharma a developer of anti-angiogenetic cancer drugs. The company’s core technology is based on the concept of treating cancer by a combination of four drugs already in use for other indications. “The name Tiltan is also the Hebrew word for clover, which suggests the search for the lucky four-leaf clover,” notes COO Dr. Dan Goldstaub with a smile.
Tiltan’s search for a cancer therapy began with research conducted by Prof. Shmuel Ben-Sasson of the Hadassah Medical Center in the area of angiogenesis, a condition that occurs when cancerous tumors are present. Rather than try to discover a new chemical entity (NCE) that could be used to stop angiogenesis and thereby debilitate tumors, Ben-Sasson surveyed existing drugs on the market that have anti-angiogenetic properties.
He came up with four different drugs, which, when used in combination on animals, demonstrated efficacy in stopping angiogenesis. By experimenting with different dosages and regimens he developed a cocktail approach that is the basis for Tiltan’s platform technology.
Referring to the pre-clinical study results, Goldstaub notes that as the drugs already had received regulatory approval for other indications, it came as no surprise to see proof of their safety profile. “What was quite dramatic in the pre-clinical studies was the high level of efficacy in eliminating tumors,” says Goldstaub, adding that the results were among the most impressive that he has seen in his career in the life sciences industry. A graduate of the Weizmann Institute with a Ph.d in molecular genetics, Goldstaub previously worked in clinical development at Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Tiltan currently has two Phase II clinical trials underway. One trial for prostate cancer, with results expected in another 12-18 months; another trial, recently initiated, is for pancreatic cancer.
The company has raised $6.5 million to date, with funding provided by private investors including a group of professional Canadian investors who are veterans of the pharmaceutical industry Yissum, the tech transfer arm of the Hebrew University, and the Office of the Chief Scientist and private investors including a group of professional Canadian investors who are veterans of the pharmaceutical industry.
The company is currently raising funds in order to accelerate its clinical trials. “At the moment we are only recruiting patients in Israel, but if we are able to expand recruitment to overseas sites, we will be able to move ahead faster,” explains Goldstaub.
In order to broaden the company’s access to investors, Tiltan expects to soon become part of a new holding company being formed by Yissum. The new entity, to be known as Integra Holdings, will create a broad portfolio that will enable investors to diversify their risk.