Aptadel Therapeutics, together with leading EU biotech companies, iCellate and Anapharm, has been awarded a Eurostars grant for a first in-class RNA Aptamer-based targeted therapy and companion diagnostic for childhood cancer Ewing Sarcoma (ES).

ES is a rare type of cancerous tumour that grows in bones or soft tissue. It mainly affects children and young people but is also seen in adults. These tumors are very aggressive, they tend to reappear and develop metastasis after chemotherapy. ES is the second most diagnosed form of primary bone cancer in children and young adults. Due to the lack of effective treatments, the survival of patients with pediatric sarcoma that present metastasis at the time of diagnosis is barely 20%.

“We are very excited to have been awarded such a competitive grant. The Eurostars project will boost the development of Aptadel’s first asset to the clinic to treat paediatric cancer,” said company CSO, Gisela Lorente.

Aptadel Therapeutics platform technology is based in RNA-Aptamers to develop a next-generation of drug conjugate. Their lead asset is an RNA-based therapy (ADEL-101) that targets the EphA2-receptor, reducing its ability to promote metastasis. The molecule further inhibits an Ewing Sarcoma-specific driver mutation, ultimately killing the cancer cells while normal cells are spared. In addition to Aptadel, the consortium includes the CRO Anapharm and the MedTech company iCELLATE. Anapharm will develop a bioanalytical test to track ADEL-101 drug candidate in the body, while iCellate will be an essential partner in developing a companion diagnostic kit to quickly bring ADEL-101 to safe and effective use in humans.

Photo: Gisela Lorente (CSO and Founder), Oscar Martinez-Tirado (President and Founder)