Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are laboratory-produced molecules that can mimic the immune system’s ability to target and destroy cancer cells. These antibodies are designed to bind to specific antigens (proteins) that are present on the surface of cancer cells, triggering an immune response that can lead to the destruction of the cancer cells. In recent years, monoclonal antibodies have emerged as a promising new approach to cancer research and treatment.
One of the most interesting players on this increasingly exciting map is Pritumumab (PTB), which is being developed by Nascent Biotech Inc. (OTCMKTS:NBIO). PTB is a natural human antibody that binds to Cell surface Vimentin (also referred to as ectodomain vimentin), a protein expressed on the surface of epithelial cancers. PTB is used as a targeted immunotherapy and seek out only cancer cells without damaging healthy cells.
The use of monoclonal antibodies in cancer research and treatment has several advantages. Firstly, monoclonal antibodies can be engineered to recognize and target specific proteins that are only present on cancer cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed. This targeted approach reduces the risk of side effects that are commonly associated with traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Secondly, monoclonal antibodies can be used to deliver drugs or other therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells. By attaching these agents to the antibody, they can be specifically delivered to cancer cells, increasing their effectiveness while minimizing the risk of side effects.
Finally, monoclonal antibodies can be used as diagnostic tools to identify specific types of cancer cells. By attaching a fluorescent or radioactive marker to the antibody, cancer cells can be easily visualized and located, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
There are currently several monoclonal antibodies that have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of various types of cancer. For example, trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets the HER2 protein found on the surface of breast cancer cells. When used in combination with chemotherapy, trastuzumab has been shown to significantly improve outcomes for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.
Another example is rituximab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 protein found on the surface of B-cell lymphoma cells. When used in combination with chemotherapy, rituximab has been shown to significantly improve outcomes for patients with B-cell lymphoma.
In addition to these FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies, there are many others that are currently in development or undergoing clinical trials. These include monoclonal antibodies that target specific proteins found on other types of cancer cells, as well as those that are engineered to deliver drugs or other therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells.
PTB is a prime example of this emerging class.
Monoclonal antibodies have emerged as a promising new approach to cancer research and treatment. By targeting specific proteins found on the surface of cancer cells, monoclonal antibodies can trigger an immune response that leads to the destruction of cancer cells while minimizing the risk of side effects. With several FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies already available and many others in development, it is clear that this technology will continue to play an important role in the fight against cancer.
A Look at NBIO Over the Years
Nascent Biotech Inc. (OTCMKTS:NBIO) began to emerge on the scene as an early-stage very theoretical player back in 2015. From where we stand now, it’s interesting to reflect on how far the company has come with its flagship asset.
In 2015, the company was featured in an article on a site called Born2Invest, which did an in-depth piece detailing the potential for PTB and Nascent to emerge as a powerful new cancer treatment over the coming decade.
You can find the article here.
As discussed in that piece, “One of the promising treatments in the cancer immunotherapy field is Pritumumab, a natural human antibody that has been used to treat around 250 brain cancer patients in Japan without any documented side effects. Developed as a lead product by Nascent Biotech, Inc. (OTC: NBIO), Pritumumab is the first fully human antibody used to treat a cancer patient. It targets ecto-domain vimentin, an abnormal variant of a normal intracellular protein that is incorrectly expressed on the outside of adenocarcinoma cells, including brain cancers and melanoma.”
“What makes Pritumumab unique as a monoclonal antibody therapy is its ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier due to its high isoelectric point. Hence, the treatment of brain tumors is its primary indication, although the target antigen of the antibody cannot only be found in brain cancer, but in pancreatic, renal cell, and breast cancers as well. Furthermore, Pritumumab toxicities have been minimal, suggesting that the cure is safe and effective for brain cancer patients. There is even histological staining evidence that shows that Pritumumab could be highly useful in treating additional cancer types.”
The article goes on to note that, “While Nascent Biotech‘s application for orphan drug status for Pritumumab is still pending, its development provides a sneak peek to the future of cancer immunotherapy. It could be the beginning not only for the eradication of cancer, but also for shedding light into the mysteries of the body’s immune system.”
How Far We Have Come
It’s interesting to look back on this piece because it details the promise underlying PTB’s potential to make a powerful difference in the lives of people confronting this terrible disease.
But the path from “promising idea” to “commercial treatment” is long, arduous, expensive, and full of pitfalls.
Most cancer treatments that reach the stage of being seen as promising pre-clinical options never make it even through phase I clinical trials. So much can go wrong, with science, logistics, and finance all presenting potential stumbling blocks.
Thankfully, for NBIO shareholders, PTB recently completed its landmark Phase I trial. The company is now working with the FDA to quickly line up Phase II research, where the rubber really meets the road.
As noted in its most recent release, its Phase I clinical trial evaluating safety and tolerance for PTB as a treatment for Primary and Metastatic Brain Cancers has been completed, and Nascent pledges to continue to collect and evaluate the Clinical data from the Phase I trial while readying its submission to the U.S. FDA for Phase II consideration.
According to the company’s release, completing the Phase I trial is a major milestone and Nascent is excited to move toward finalizing plans for Phase II research. Phase I reinforced the companies’ determination and excitement around this unique monoclonal antibody treatment approach and Phase I has shown that it can be given safely at high doses. This is a new pathway toward attacking one of the defining health challenges we face, with longer-term implications that transcend the brain cancer market. We look forward to the opportunity to see our unique R&D platform become a game changer for patients suffering from brain cancer.
