IGF-TRAP FOR THE TREATMENT OF METASTATIC CANCERS
The insulin-like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF-1R) is a promising target for the treatment of cancer, since
the receptor is crucial for the survival and growth of malignant cells. A number of companies have active
research programs in this field, with drug candidates in development ranging from preclinical development
phase to Phase III clinical trial. Data from these trials show that this pathway is safe, viable and druggable.
A team led by Professor Pnina Brodt, affiliated with the Research Institute of the McGill University Health
Centre and McGill University’s Departments of Surgery, Medicine and Oncology, has developed an innovative
approach to exploit this signaling pathway: a soluble, truncated version of the extracellular portion of the human
IGF-1 receptor (sIGFR). This novel recombinant protein will act as a “trap” in the circulating bloodstream by
capturing the natural ligands of IGF-1R (IGF1 and IGF2). By competing with the receptor, this IGF-trap will
inhibit this pathway and should promote apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis and reduction in cellular motility of
cancerous cells. This has already been shown by Dr Brodt in metastatic in vivo cancer models.
This novel approach has the potential of addressing some of the limitations and nonspecific effects of the two
main strategies currently exploited by pharmaceutical companies in targeting the IGF-1 pathway: (1) receptor
blockade by monoclonal antibodies or small molecules and (2) inhibition of the tyrosine kinases related to the
IGF receptors. Such IGF-Trap could have the following clinical advantages:
Effective against cancer cells that express IR-A and hybrid (IR:IGFIR) receptors (a limitation of monoclonal
antibodies or small molecules blocking the IGF-1 receptor)
No effect on IR-B receptor (a limitation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors that could lead to insulin resistance and
hyperglycemia)
With financial support from the Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade of Quebec
(MDEIE), MSBi Valorisation, MITACS and an in-kind contribution from the National Research Council
Biotechnology Research Institute (NRC-BRI) through collaboration with the team of Dr. Bernard Massie, Dr
Brodt is currently working on improving the stability and biochemical properties of this protein, and further
validate its efficacy in several highly metastatic cancer models (lung, colon, breast and pancreas) Upon
completion of this project, we believe we can find a partner to continue the biopharmaceutical development and
commercialization of this innovative product.
Olivia Novac
Office of Sponsored Research
McGill University
Tel: 514-398-5887
Email: olivia.novac@mcgill.ca
Reference code: ROI 05082
Opportunity: licensing or partnership