Ann: Race Initiates Heart Safety Preclinical Study for Bisantrene, page-3

Race Initiates Heart Safety Preclinical Study for Bisantrene

In >40 clinical trials, Bisantrene has been shown to have low cardiotoxicity

This study will assess the molecular mechanisms of Bisantrene heart safety using current molecular biology techniques

Led by an established chemotherapeutic cardiology experienced team at the University of Newcastle

28 April 2021 –

Race Oncology Limited (“Race”) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a collaborative preclinical research program with The University of
Newcastle to investigate the heart safety Bisantrene offers over current anthracycline therapeutics.
Eminent cardiotoxicity researchers, Associate Professors Aaron Sverdlov and Doan Ngo of the University of Newcastle, will lead the project.

While Bisantrene’s heart safety has been demonstrated in more than 40 clinical trials, exactly how it avoids causing cardiotoxicity is unknown. Advances in molecular biology since the 1980s now allow the underlying mechanism of action to be determined. The aim of this project is to explore Bisantrene’s low cardiotoxicity at the molecular level. Bisantrene has recently been identified as a targeted inhibitor of the Fatso/Fat mass
and obesity-associated protein (FTO)1

The possible role of FTO inhibition in Bisantrene’s lack of cardiotoxicity will be a primary focus of this research project. Pillar 2 of Race’s Three Pillar strategy (ASX Announcement: 30 Nov 2020) is focused on the potential for Bisantrene to act as an anthracycline replacement, which are commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer. Anthracyclines are a class of chemotherapeutics known to be effective, but also cardiotoxic. The results of this study will support Phase IIb human trials of a Bisantrene in anthracycline naïve breast cancer patients. These trials are currently being explored for feasibility in Europe, with a potential for initiation in 2022.

Chief Scientific Officer, Dr Daniel Tillett said: “This is an exciting development for Race and we are looking forward to collaborating with Assistant Professors Sverdlov and Ngo on this important project. Understanding how Bisantrene works at a molecular level to avoid
damage to the heart will aid all our clinical plans.”

This preclinical study is to start immediately with result to be reported over the coming 12 months.