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CYTOTOXICITY OF SYNTHESIZED EPD (EPD-S), A 
NATURAL SESQUITERPENE LACTONE, AND ITS 
FUTURE CLINICAL EFFICACY

  • Summary

    The present invention is relating to a new anti-cancer drug, EPD-S. This drug shows on itself, as well as in combination with paclitaxel and cisplatin, strong cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer and other cancer types.

    Background

    Ovarian cancer remains still the leading cause of death of gynecological malignancy, in spite of first-line chemotherapy with paclitaxel and cisplatin. Although initial a favorable response, relapses are common and prognosis stays poor. A plant, Calomeria amaranthoides of the family Asteraceae, endemic to Australia, has been collected in the Blue Mountains (NSW). Asteraceae are known for their natural active compounds, including sesquiterpene lactones (SL’s) which are known for their potential as anti-cancer agents. This new anti-cancer drug, Eremophilanolides-1-(10)-11(13)-dien-12,8βolide or EPD, has been proven a very interesting anti-cancer drug. It has exhibited potent cytotoxic effects towards ovarian cancer and other cancers, like melanoma, sarcoma, colon, thyroid, leukemia, breast, but not towards normal cells.

    Technology

    Most of the experiments have been performed “in vitro”, using the IC50 tests on ovarian cancer cell lines, but also on other cancer cell lines. A study with nude mice showed that EPD did better than cisplatin, used as a positive control. Since EPD has been synthesized by Syncom, (Groningen) (EPD-S) it has been studied by Oncolines and Oncolines Profiler by The Netherlands Translational Research Center (NTRC, Oss, The Netherlands). Not only has EPD-S been proven cytotoxic on its own, it also has shown strong synergism with paclitaxel and cisplatin in resistant ovarian cancer cell lines and other cancer cell lines. EPD, in combination with 
    cisplatin, was studied in cell lines with a BRCA1 mutation. In comparison with olaparib (medication for patients with BRCA1 mutation EPD-S showed much stronger chemosensitivity. EPD –S is blocking the path way of NF-kβ, with apoptosis (programmed cell death) as result.

  • The global Ovarian Cancer market size alone is expected to gain market growth in the forecast period of 2020 to 2025, with a CAGR of 9.0% in the forecast period of 2020 to 2025 and will expected to reach USD 2382 million by 2025, from USD 1684.4 million in 2019 (www.marketwatch.com). ​

  • Dr Caroline van Haaften is the sole inventor of the technology, and she currently holds the position as Head of Carocell Nederland B.V. 

  • This technology is subject of several international patent applications for both EPD and EPD-S alone, as well as in combination with other drugs (Paclitaxel, cisplatin, olaparib): 


    AUS: P85397AUOO (GRANTED); P103934AUOO (GRANTED);one filed 
    NL: P92032NLOO (GRANTED), P103934NLOO (GRANTED); one filed
    EP: P109498EPOO (GRANTED)
    US: P92032USOO (GRANTED); P85397USOO (GRANTED); P109498USOO (PUBLISHED) 
    CN: P85397CNOO (GRANTED) 
    JP: P109498JPOO (PUBLISHED) 
    CAN: Priority application filed

    • Novel anti- cancer drug for ovarian cancer treatment.

    • Might be applicable to other cancer types.

    • Strong synergism with paclitaxel and cisplatin.

    • Application in high risk children (for asthma/allergy) as primary/secondary prevention strategies. 

  • Dr. Gerhild Zauner-Koudelka

    Senior BD Manager LURIS - Knowledge Exchange Office of Leiden University and Leiden University Medical Center

    email: g.zauner-koudelka@lumc.nl

    mobile: +31 64349703​

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