- Hudson Institute is a leading Australian biomedical research institute recognised internationally for delivering better health through research into cancer and inflammation
- The alliance is aimed at advancing Invion’s licenced cancer treatment technology, PhotosoftTM
- Hudson Institute will provide research and clinical expertise on a series of projects in collaboration with Invion
- Projects will target a range of common and difficult to treat cancers, starting with ovarian cancer
- Invion’s development costs are financed by a non-dilutive funding agreement with The Cho Group
Brisbane, Australia and Delaware, United States, 20 March 2018: Invion Limited (ASX: IVX, “Invion” or “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Research & Development Alliance Agreement with leading Australian medical research institute, Hudson Institute of Medical Research (“Hudson Institute”).
The agreement provides a framework for Invion and Hudson Institute to collaborate on a range of research and development projects for the PhotosoftTM technology for the treatment of a range of cancers.
Under the Alliance Agreement, Hudson Institute will provide the research facilities and expertise required to undertake individual Invion-sponsored research projects. Hudson Institute will be responsible for all legislative and professional standards compliance requirements, in accordance with global best practice.
Invion is developing PhotosoftTM as a next generation Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT).
PDT uses non-toxic photosensitisers and visible light in combination with oxygen to produce cytotoxic-reactive oxygen that kills malignant cells, shuts down tumours and stimulates the immune system. In contrast to surgery, or radiotherapy and chemotherapy which are mostly immunosuppressive, PDT causes acute inflammation, expression of heat-shock proteins, and invasion and infiltration of a tumour by leukocytes.
As a next-generation PDT, PhotosoftTM is targeted to address the limitations of first generation PDT therapies through better solubility and tissue distribution, as well as stronger absorption that allows deeper penetration of tissues and better tumour specificity.
Photosoft™ uses a laser light activation method based on short, pulsating ‘near infrared’ (NIR) wavelengths. It is hypothesised that NIR light therapy allows more effective whole-of-body systemic treatment that can target circulating cancer cells as well as deeply seated tumours.
Initial projects will focus on ovarian cancer, and it is envisioned that projects will quickly expand into other cancer indications.
“Securing a research alliance with a globally recognised research organisation like Hudson Institute represents an important step in our research and development plans for PhotosoftTM,” said Managing Director & CEO, Dr Collier.
Hudson Institute Director and CEO, Professor Elizabeth Hartland said: “Early data is very encouraging and we believe that PhotosoftTM represents a real opportunity to improve the lives of millions of cancer patients around the world. We very much look forward to advancing the development of Photosoft TM with Invion.”
The Cho Group will provide non-dilutive funding to Invion to cover its obligations for all research projects undertaken by Hudson Institute.
Dr Collier returns to full-time MD and CEO role
In light of the expected significant increase in activities and the strong pipeline of R&D programming and activity, Dr Greg Collier returns to a full-time role as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Invion, effective immediately.
