Pillar 1 - FTO (new thread), page-1971

just a refresh for the Strategic update from March 2021. We are coming up to 12 months and still on track if announcements are this quarter which they are expected.


Melanoma (anti-PD1 - "Results" expected this quarter)

The program’s purpose is to explore the use of Bisantrene as a novel FTO-directed treatment for melanoma using cellular and mouse models to identify drug combinations that improve melanoma treatment, with a focus on treatment resistant cancers. Previous independent published studies have observed that FTO is overproduced in approximately 50% of metastatic melanoma cancers and that the inhibition of FTO can overcome PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance in mouse models of melanoma.

ccRCC (I note on 4C updates on progress expected but did not say "results" so may just be a progress update)

The purpose of this research program is to use cellular models to explore the potential to use Bisantrene as a FTO-directed treatment of ccRCC, a devastating form of kidney cancer. Previous studies have observed that FTO enzyme activity is essential for ccRCC cell survival and the inhibition of FTO can directly kill more than 90% of ccRCC cancer.

Source: 168e14f35cdc5b0d44c9adc6c7802f41 (sharelinktechnologies.com)


I speculate that the fact that ongoing results have not been released could be for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, struggling to get a positive result and exhausting all combos and dosing to come up with something tangible. Gut feel this is unlikely given previous comments from the Board they would announce poor results. No point flogging a dead horse and wasting more time, money and resources when there are other opportunities to explore.

The more likely reason, is there are some positive results that need to firm up double check or triple check to ensure accuracy and nothing is being misinterpreted. Also, ensuring all ducks are in a row from a strategic or commercial perspective. Patents squared away, reducing time for competitors to get a head start from announcing progress earlier in the year, and, unlocking value for existing shareholders by undertaking the SPP in advance of result announcements. [Note: Remember that whilst the market has no idea of the progress the Race Team will be fully up to speed of where things are at].

Timing of Melanoma (Anti-PD1) and ccRCC update / results announcement will be interesting. We know it is this quarter and there is the mid-year report coming up on the 28th February. Otherwise, end of quarter 31st March which is 12 months from the original strategic update / timeline. Either way not long to wait now!

Cardio Protection

Also love how the cardio protection was a couple of lines hidden in the update but is turning out to be a blockbuster!

Race is exploring low-cost collaborative preclinical studies focused on understanding the molecular mechanism of action of Bisantrene’s heart safety profile. Advanced discussions are underway with a leading Australian team specialising in anthracycline cardiotoxicity research. Race expects to update the market on the outcome of these discussions in early Q2 CY 2021