While efficient at reducing and eliminating cancer cells, normal cells in the radiation path, or in close proximity to the treatment target are exposed to harmful ionizing radiation. Damage to healthy tissue occurs because ionizing radiation creates free radicals (also known as Reactive Oxygen Species or “ROS”) that disrupt cellular DNA and cause cell death.¹⁹ While cellular protective and repair mechanisms are present to block or repair damage caused by ROS, the levels of radiation used in cancer therapy can produce levels of ROS that overwhelm the repair processes resulting in death of normal cells as well as cancer cells.²⁰

The Company’s cerium oxide nanoparticles belong to a specific class of compounds known as free radical scavengers. The free radical scavenging ability of cerium oxide is well established in the chemistry literature and is thought to be a primary driver of its ability to decrease ROS in cells.^19,21 The Company believes its cerium oxide nanoparticles deliver beneficial effect by accelerating the breakdown of radiation-induced ROS and free radicals selectively in normal cells.

Preventing normal tissue damage from radiation

BioCurity has developed two novel formulations of cerium oxide nanoparticle particle drug product. This includes an IV formulation and a topical formulation. Each of the formulations have been studied in various proof of concept animal models. The preclinical data in these animal models suggest the potential use in multiple types of cancers where radiation therapy is commonly used as a therapeutic modality. These drug products and formulations will provide physicians with the flexibilities and the tools needed for dosing patients properly while ensuring a robust life cycle. 

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