Angiogenesis
Muparfostat (PI-88, Partnered)
The first heparin sulfate product that Progen is developing is called muparfostat (formerly PI-88). Muparfostat has previously shown strong signs of efficacy in a Phase 2 post resection liver cancer trial and Progen recently partnered muparfostat for further development initially for markets in Asia. Progen also has ongoing a Phase 2 trial assessing the efficacy of muparfostat in combination with Dacarbazine (DTIC) treating patients with advanced melanoma versus patients that have just received Dacarbazine.
PG545
The PG500 program capitalises upon Progen’s longstanding expertise in the area of heparan sulfate mimetics. This program is aimed toward providing a product for clinical development with significant enhancements in efficacy, manufacturability and pharmacokinetic properties. Our lead candidate, PG545, is now progressing through preclinical studies toward submission of an IND package with the US FDA thus allowing the commencement of human clinical trials.
Heparanase Inhibitor Program
Heparanase is the enzyme responsible for processing heparan sulfate. Heparanase plays an important role in angiogenesis and targeting its inhibition will have clinical applications in oncology and inflammation. We are currently in the early stages of this research program which is aimed at the design of selective, small molecule inhibitors of heparanase