Machavert, a company focused on developing a cancer drug based on the effects of phospholipids, delivers its first results.
More than four years of intensive research by a group of scientists from the startup Machavert focused on developing a cancer drug based on the effects of phospholipids has yielded its first results. And they are so impressive that they have aroused interest among both the Czech and foreign professionals.
Betting on phospholipids
Machavert’s research is taking the path of immunotherapy, i.e. the treatment also includes supporting the patient’s immune system. In this case, NK cells = natural killers, which are part of the body’s first line of defense. Phospholipids stimulate these cells and are able to actively contribute to the fight against cancer. The inspiration for the research itself was the Czech dietary supplement Ovosan, which is the only one on the market that contains a mixture of bioactive phospholipids. It was a mixture of bio-active phospholipids contained in this supplement where Machavert scientists found components (containing the aforementioned phospholipids) with a strong anti-tumor effect. From these, they then created nanoparticles that are able to activate NK cells that killed cancer cells. They called their drug candidate MP1115.
A cure for up to 30% of oncological diseases
The MP1115 tests focus on those types of cancer that are caused mainly by the so-called KRAS mutation. This is responsible for the development of up to a third of all oncological diseases and is usually very difficult to treat (they are able to adapt to standard oncological treatment, which then loses its effectiveness). “Tumors with a KRAS mutation represent up to 30% of all types of cancer and the possibility of a new therapeutic approach will be of great benefit to patients. They currently have very limited options for targeted treatment,” says Dr. Neal Goodwin, Director of Research and Development at Machavert.
Expert snapshots
Machavert presented its findings at the annual cancer treatment symposium in Dublin, Ireland, in November 2018. The symposium was co-hosted by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). The company said that MP1115 is now being tested in tumor models with a simulated human immune system, moving it to the stage of conducting studies needed to allow clinical trials to begin.
The Czech medical magazine profi Medicína reports: “The presented results demonstrated the antitumor activity of the drug candidate MP1115 against a wide range of cancer model types, including solid tumors with KRAS mutation and liquid tumor models.” It also quotes Dr. Goodwin: “In addition, MP1115 can be prepared in the form of nanoparticles, which can enclose another drug, and which in tests showed a significant improvement in antitumor activity due to the improved delivery of the dosage form.”
“Immunotherapy is now clearly being added to the three basic pillars of standard cancer treatment.”
The University of Colorado, where the team is currently working, is also convinced of the great potential of this research based on phospholipids. It has entrusted them with its own anti-cancer research. It is in combination treatment that the Machavert team, led by Jakub Staszak-Jirkovsky, sees a great opportunity.
The current trend in oncology is also mentioned by immunologist Jitka Palich Fučíková from the 2nd Faculty of Medicine of Charles University: “Immunotherapy is now clearly being added to the three basic pillars of standard cancer treatment.”
MUDr. Peter Bednarčík, CSc., also has long-term experience with biologically active phospholipids as supportive therapy for cancer patients: “Ovosan can be an excellent prevention of cancer. In risk groups, the tumor may not develop at all. During cancer treatment, it helps patients tolerate the therapy better and generally increases their quality of life. It also has its place in the regeneration phase, when, again by strengthening the immune system, the patient is able to return to a normal lifestyle more quickly. In this phase, the product also serves as a prevention against a possible return of the disease (this occurs in up to 55% of cured patients).”
“Ovosan can be a great prevention of cancer.”
Resources:
2 Professional Medicine Magazine, 1/2019
3 Czech Radio, Scientific Adventure in the USA , Cancer needs to be beaten from all sides, says Czech scientist, published on January 15, 2019, authors Petr Kološ and Zuzana Marková
Don’t be afraid to ask
If you are still not sure how to take Ovosan correctly, don’t be afraid to ask. If you can’t find the answer to your question on http://www.i-ovosan.com , you can write to eva.pokorna@i-ovosan.com .