LONDON ¿ Alizyme plc said it has taken two important steps in the development of ATL-101, a plant-derived lectin for the treatment of mucositis and other diseases of the mucosal tissues.

The company, based in Cambridge, England, has received a notice of allowance from the U.S. Patent Office on its application on the use of lectins extracted from plants in this indication. At the same time it has secured a license from the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, for exclusive worldwide rights to the manufacturing technology for ATL-101.

CEO Richard Palmer said, ¿A strong patent position for exploiting the product is being secured, and access to the manufacturing technology enables Alizyme to produce ATL-101 to the standards required for clinical trials.¿

Mucositis is a side effect of cancer therapy that can be so serious that it limits the doses of chemotherapy or radiotherapy that can be administered. The agents designed to kill cancer cells also damage the rapidly growing tissues of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the lining of the mouth. This can result in ulceration, diarrhea, pain and reduced nutrient uptake. It is estimated that 15 percent to 40 percent of cancer patients suffer mucositis, and there is currently no registered drug for its prevention or treatment.

ATL-101 stimulates the growth of cells lining the mouth and GI tract. It has shown beneficial effects in preventing and treating the effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in animal models.

Alizyme is collaborating with the Catholic University in the development of ATL-101. The license covers a process for extracting and purifying the compound to obtain a crystalline product with a high degree of purity. The university will receive a license fee plus royalties on product sales.