Cell Proliferation

Uncontrolled cell reproduction begins when a cell accumulates enough mutations to activate certain growth promoting genes (oncogenes) and de-activate certain protection genes (suppressor genes) that are built into the genetic fingerprint of a person. The mutated cell seems to ignore the instructions to limit its self replication and soon it becomes many cells and continues to grow.  

Cell proliferation is at the crux of cancer and Progen’s cell proliferation candidates target hyper-proliferating cells. Treatment with these compounds results in cessation of the natural cascade of events involved in cell division and can potentially induce cell death.

Progen’s cell proliferation platform is centered around the role of polyamines in cellular function. Polyamines are a group of chemical components in the cell that are essential for cell growth. Polyamine metabolism is dysregulated in cancers. PG11047, which is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials, is our first produced candidate from this research platform. It is hoped treatment with PG11047 results in alterations to the natural cascade of events involved in cell division and induces cell death in tumors.

To date, PG11047 has been shown to have anti-tumor activity in animal models, combined with a good safety profile. Progen is taking PG11047 through early clinical development in parallel to conducting additional translational studies to determine the most promising cancer indications for Phase 2 development and beyond.