Lutris Pharma Secures $30M to Advance Cancer Treatment Side Effect Drug
- Editor
- Jan 28
- 2 min read
What's Happening: Lutris Pharma has raised $30 million to further develop LUT014, a topical gel aimed at reducing skin rashes caused by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRi) cancer therapies. The funding will support ongoing clinical trials for this potential treatment that could improve cancer therapy effectiveness and patient quality of life.
The Key Moves:
Secured $30 million in financing led by Columbus Venture Partners and Pontifax Venture Capital
Funds will advance development of LUT014, a topical B-Raf inhibitor gel for EGFRi-induced skin rashes
Completed enrollment in phase 2 trial for LUT014 in metastatic colorectal cancer patients
By The Numbers :
Up to 90% of patients on EGFRi therapies experience adverse skin reactions
LUT014 completed a phase 1/2 study for radiation-induced dermatitis in breast cancer patients
Top-line results from the phase 2 trial expected in the first half of 2025
Key Quotes:
"This financing will enable us to continue the clinical development of LUT014 with the goal of treating the acneiform rash to improve life quality and enabling adherence to EGFRi therapies," - Noa Shelach, CEO
"By reversing the inhibitory effect of EGFRi therapy on downstream signaling in the skin cells, we believe that LUT014 has the potential to become an important therapeutic for EGFR inhibitor induced skin toxicity," - Antoni Ribas, Chairman
"As development of LUT014 proceeds, we can foresee a paradigm shift wherein EGFRi treatment will be regularly coupled with LUT014 as a valuable adjunct," - Yael Gruenbaum-Cohen, aMoon Fund
The Bottom Line: Lutris Pharma's $30 million funding round highlights the potential of LUT014 to address a significant unmet need in cancer treatment. By potentially reducing EGFRi-induced skin toxicity, LUT014 could improve patient adherence to life-saving therapies and overall treatment outcomes. The upcoming phase 2 trial results will be crucial in determining the drug's efficacy and future prospects.
Comments