Mesothelioma can sometimes be difficult to treat. The cancer can spread to nearby tissue and nerves, and often isn’t diagnosed until later stages. Admittedly, there are a number of available treatment options. But it’s important to continue searching for potential therapies that could help those affected to live even longer, healthier lives.
Clinical-stage biotechnology company Avenge Bio is currently developing its therapy AVB-001 for a number of different indications, ranging from metastatic peritoneal cancers and ovarian cancer to mesothelioma and lung cancer. As Pharmaceutical Technology explains:
The therapeutic candidate comprises allogeneic genetically engineered cells expressing interleukin-2 (IL-2) in the tumor environment. It is administered through intraperitoneal route [and] is being developed based on [Avenge’s] LOCOcyte Immunotherapy platform.
Receiving Orphan Drug Designation
On June 15, 2023, Avenge Bio shared that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Orphan Drug designation to AVB-001 for the treatment of mesothelioma. Orphan Drug designation is granted to therapies that may treat, diagnose, or prevent conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people nationwide. As a benefit, Avenge Bio will receive fee waivers and tax credits, as well as up to seven years of market exclusivity if AVB-001 is approved for this indication. So far, preclinical studies have shown AVB-001 to be both safe and effective for malignant pleural mesothelioma, one of the subtypes.
About Mesothelioma
In most cases, mesothelioma—a cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue (mesothelium) that covers many organs—is caused by asbestos exposure. People in the military, construction workers, firefighters, and people with similar occupations are most at risk of asbestos exposure. Recent research does suggest that some cases of mesothelioma are idiopathic (without a known cause), but this is still being explored. Although asbestos exposure is the prime cause of mesothelioma, many symptoms don’t appear until decades after exposure. In some cases, it may take up to 50 years for symptoms to appear.
There are multiple subtypes of mesothelioma, such as pleural (affecting the lungs), peritoneal (affecting the abdomen), and pericardial (affecting the heart). Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common form. Symptoms may differ slightly based on the exact subtype, but can include:
- Fluid accumulation in the lungs or abdomen
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever and night sweats
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Abdominal pain or distention
- Pain under the rib cage
- Difficulty breathing
- Chronic cough
- A lump in the abdomen
