There is some interesting info on page 2 of also . Background...

There is some interesting info on page 2 of also .
Background Information
Solbec Pharmaceuticals Ltd is a publicly listed company on the Australian Stock exchange (code
SBP).
SBP002 is a combination of two glycoalkaloids isolated from the fruit of Solanum linnaeanum, a
weed more commonly known as Devil’s Apple.
Currently the drug has completed its pre-clinical phase of trials as an anti cancer treatment. Human
Phase 1 clinical trials are now underway.
Solbec is focussing SBP002 research on treatment of mesothelioma and malignant melanoma, which
qualifies the drug for the fast track Orphan Drug Program.
However, under the Therapeutic Good Administration’s Special Access Scheme (SAS), SBP002 has
been administered to a number of cancer patients with encouraging results. These have included:
Increased well being, Tumour size reduction, Reduced tumour growth rates, extended expected life
span, Tumour eradication
In previous studies carried out by the University of Western Australia, it was observed that SBP002-
treated cells reduced the production of IL-6 when compared to the control and to cells treated with the
anti-cancer drugs Gemcitabine and Docetaxol. IL-6 is known to be one of the chemicals produced by
the body during disease that makes people feel unwell. IL-6 is also known to be involved in cancer
cell proliferation.
As well as a range of cancers, SBP002 may be useful for treating a wide range of IL-6 related
diseases. These include inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis; microbial diseases such as
HIV, chronic fatigue syndrome and malaria; heart disease such as cardiac myopathy; and other
diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, arteriosclerosis, thyroiditis and Castleman’s disease. Solbec has
lodged patents to cover this exciting aspect of the drug’s activity.
Solbec has received an Australian Government grant of $196,000 through the Ausindustry
Biotechnology Innovation Fund to carry out further research on SBP002. This research is to look at
the ability of SBP002 to boost the immune system. This new line of investigation at UWA by
Professor Robinson and his team represents a significant new direction for Solbec and the use of
SBP002.