Cancer

Cell culture and mouse studies suggest inhibiting arginine-mediated signaling of the ARG2-SLC7A1 axis could help treat neuroblastoma. In a human neuroblastoma cell line, an shRNA against ARG2 decreased proliferation compared with a scrambled shRNA. In four other human neuroblastoma cell lines, BCT-100, a PEGylated human ARG1 that depletes intracellular arginine, or an SLC7A1 inhibitor tool compound decreased proliferation compared with no treatment. In a mouse model of neuroblastoma, BCT-100 decreased tumor growth and increased survival compared with vehicle. Next steps could include identifying and testing inhibitors of ARG2 in neuroblastoma models.

Bio-Cancer Treatment International Ltd. has BCT-100 in Phase II testing for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and Phase I/II testing for liver cancer...