This is an important question, mate. That is an obvious risk, and something I have spent a long time working on understanding. As much as people don't like it, the longer that the MOA paper is delayed, the more run time RAC has for Bisantrene uncontested. There are a few reasons why I think the chance of that happening is very, very low - as low as can be for biotechnology companies.
1. Broad acting anti-cancer agents are not common. Bisantrene is a very active little molecule in both its mechanisms of action as well as the number of cancer cells that are sensitive to those actions. Modern day investigational oncology focuses on highly specialised drugs to target specific genes, proteins, or pathways. The broadness of action is being overlooked by A LOT of people, particularly in relationship to competing with Doxorubicin synergy.
2. Broad acting anti-cancer agents that are also protective are extremely rare. Approximately 50 years of research into this area has not produced a single commercially available molecule that is toxic to human cells while being protective to others. The mechanisms by which Bisantrene provides protection to healthy human cells while targeting cancerous cells is not fully understood or publicly available, therefore, these mechanisms can not be copied or refined. Given the amount of time spent researching new cancer molecules and the secrecy around Bisantrene, it would be highly unlikely to have another broad acting anti-cancer agent that synergises with Doxorubicin in 86% of cancerous cell lines while protecting healthy cells from its most devastating toxicity.
3. Bisantrene is a phase 2/3 asset that is currently -
What do we say, @johndprent- in the clinic! If a molecule is created that indeed fits the description of a broad-acting anti-cancer agent that is protective, there is a serious amount of time required to take it from the bench to the clinic. There is an insanely high chance that any such molecule that has merit will fail clinically. It's just the way it goes. Investing 10s or even 100s of millions of dollars into a drug that is a long way behind doesn't necessarily sound as interesting as the clear leader, but that's just me.
Bisantrene is way out in front and has a proven history of doing the hardest part - killing different types of cancer. Healthy cells are more predictable than cancerous tissue, so the circumstantial evidence supporting Bisantrene's protective qualities and preclinical evidence that proves it highlights how real this worlds first actually is. In summary, I think the chance that we get beaten to market is extremely low and as a result, any biotech savvy investor that wants to be involved in a scientific development like this will have a place to put their money.
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