A Phase I study of TargomiRs in patients with refractory malignant pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer

Date created: Date modified: 22 Mar 2021

Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI)

A first-in-man (Phase I) trial led by Professor Nico van Zandwijk from ADRI is underway to establish the safety and optimal dose of this novel microRNA treatment approach mentioned above. The minicells loaded with microRNA (constructs) are dubbed TargomiRs. The concept of the new treatment resembles the Trojan horse story, where tumour cells absorb the TargomiRs followed by release of microRNAs and slowing/stopping of tumour growth.

So far the results from the Phase I clinical trial have been encouraging and ADRI is preparing a Phase II clinical trial focused on the efficacy of TargomiRs. ADRI has received funding for this research from a variety of sources including the Cancer Institute of NSW, Work Cover NSW, the Andrew Lloyd family bequest, John T Reid Charitable Trust, James Hardies Industries and a number of private donations. For more information, visit the ADRI website.