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New cancer treatment now available for dogs

Results reveal QBiotics’ STELFONTA (tigilanol tiglate) removes 75 percent of tumours

The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine has published results from a pivotal canine field study of STELFONTA (tigilanol tiglate), the lead anticancer pharmaceutical from Australian life sciences company, QBiotics Group Limited (QBiotics).

The study of 123 client-owned dogs demonstrated that in those with Mast Cell Tumours (MCTs), a single intratumoural injection of STELFONTA removed 75 percent of MCTs at day 28, significantly higher compared to untreated controls (p<0.001). Further, the trial showed no recurrence in 93 percent of STELFONTA-treated dogs at day 84. Importantly, the treatment was well tolerated, and animals had a good quality of life during and after treatment.

STELFONTA is a first-in-class pharmaceutical treatment for all grades of MCT now available in Europe with anticipated launches in the USA and Australia, pending approvals.

Dr Chad Johannes, a leading USA veterinary oncologist said, “The study determined STELFONTA is an efficacious and well-tolerated new option for the local treatment of canine MCT.

“STELFONTA is administered by injection directly into the tumour. Generally, dogs undergoing treatment do not require sedation or anaesthesia, which carries potential increased risk for older dogs and brachycephalic breeds,” said Dr Johannes.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs, and MCTs are the second most frequent canine cancer diagnosed. STELFONTA represents an exciting additional treatment option for MCT where surgical removal of the tumour mass is currently the standard of care.

The launch of STELFONTA marks the first commercialisation of QBiotics’ lead anticancer compound tigilanol tiglate and creates a repeatable revenue stream for the company.

QBiotics’ CEO and Managing Director, Dr Victoria Gordon said “The inclusion of our pivotal safety and efficacy clinical study in such a reputable publication as the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine is a significant accolade for QBiotics and reaffirms the validity of the study’s results.

“Having recently launched STELFONTA in Europe, our marketing partner the global veterinary pharma company, Virbac, will work to distribute the product locally amidst country-specific COVID-19 requirements. We also advise that STELFONTA® may be launched in the USA and Australia, pending local approvals.

“Here at QBiotics we develop our products simultaneously for the human and veterinary markets. The sound results from the tigilanol tiglate pivotal canine field study informs our human clinical program, while revenue from sales of STELFONTA financially supports human product development,” said Dr Gordon.

References

Kelsey, J.L., Moore, A. S. and Glickman, L. T.

1998

Epidemiological studies of risk factors for cancer in pet dogs. Epidemiology Review 20: 204-217

Garrett, L. D.

2014

Canine mast cell tumors: diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, Vol 5

Vail, D. M., Thamm, D. H. and Liptak, J. M.

2020

Small Animal Clinical Oncology, edition 6, Elsevier Inc, St Louis, Missouri

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