Our Science
Transforming Radiation Therapy
Our cerium oxide nanoparticles are designed to eliminate radiation-induced charged particles that damage the DNA of cells which may be key to preventing side effects of radiation therapy and improve patient outcomes.
The production of free radicals also known as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) from radiation is a critical function for how radiation damages the DNA of cells of the tissue it passes through.
While cells possess their own repair mechanisms to prevent DNA damage when encountering ROS, BioCurity is focused on reducing the excessive levels of ROS produced during radiation therapy selectively in normal cells.
Selectively Protecting Normal Tissue from Radiation Damage
Radiation-induced normal tissue damage (RINTD) frequently has a significant influence on the progress of radiation therapy and the survival and prognosis of cancer patients. ROS is one of the main sources of RINTD. Cancer patient side effects primarily caused by RINTD include the inability to eat, swallow, scarring of the lungs, burning and blistering and permanent scarring of the skin. In severe cases, a feeding tube may be required.
Reducing the levels of ROS in Normal Cells
The Company believes its cerium oxide nanoparticles deliver beneficial effect by accelerating the breakdown of radiation-induced ROS selectively in normal cells.
In preclinical studies, our drugs developed from cerium oxide nanoparticle technology significantly reduce the short and long term damage to normal tissue in a variety of animal models. These positive preclinical data suggest the potential use of our drugs in multiple types of cancers where radiation therapy is a commonly used as a therapeutic modality.
IV Treatments of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles are Effective and Well Tolerated in Animal Models
Study measured the survivability of animals administered with an IV formulation of cerium oxide nanoparticles (15 uM) 2 times/week for 2 weeks prior to 5Gy of fractioned doses of whole body radiation administered 3 times/week for 2 weeks. Mice survival was monitored over 210 days.
No toxicity was observed in mice treated with an IV formulation of cerium oxide nanoparticles.
100% of the irradiated mice treated with cerium oxide nanoparticle IV formulation were alive 210 days after receiving radiation. 90% of the irradiated mice that were not treated with cerium oxide nanoparticle IV formulation died by day 210.
Topical Treatments of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles are Effective and Well Tolerated in Animal Models
Study measured the survivability of animals administered with topical formulation containing 5% cerium oxide nanoparticles 2 times/week for 2 weeks prior to 12Gy whole body radiation administered one time. Mice survival was monitored over 60 days.
No toxicity was observed in mice treated with a topical formulation of cerium oxide nanoparticles.
100% of the irradiated mice treated with cerium oxide nanoparticle topical formulation were alive 60 days after receiving radiation. 80% of the irradiated mice that were not treated with cerium oxide nanoparticle topical formulation died by day 60.
Topical Treatments of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Reduces Skin Damage Caused by
Radiation in Animal Models
Study measured the development of radiation dermatitis of animals administered with one application of a topical formulation containing 5% cerium oxide nanoparticles prior to 12Gy whole body radiation administered one time. Mice were monitored over 26 days.
No toxicity was observed in mice treated with a topical formulation of cerium oxide nanoparticles.
Irradiated mice that received the cerium oxide nanoparticle topical formulation treatment had 80% less skin damage caused by the radiation than irradiated mice that did not receive the cerium oxide nanoparticle topical formulation.
