Even with available therapies, pancreatic cancer is incredibly tough to treat and comes with a poor prognosis. Only 12% of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer are still alive after five years. Identifying potential therapeutics, and continuing to advance research, is the best way we can work to improve options and efficacy. 

According to OncLive, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently granted Orphan Drug designation to elraglusib, a therapy in development for pancreatic cancer. Elraglusib inhibits glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β). GSK-3β is a protein that researchers believe plays a role in encouraging cancer proliferation and tumor growth, as well as making the cancer more resistant to treatment. Elraglusib works by downregulating pathways related to drug resistance, modulating cytokine expression, and empowering the immune system’s anti-cancer abilities. 

Currently, researchers are exploring elraglusib in a Phase 1/2 clinical study as a potential treatment for multiple oncological indications. These include, but are not limited to, malignant glioma, renal cancer, bone and lung neoplasms, and refractory non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The trial is also looking at the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of elraglusib, used alongside Abraxane, in people with advanced pancreatic cancer. Other ongoing studies are evaluating elraglusib in combination with FOLFIRINOX and losartan, as well as Zynyx, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel. 

 Orphan Drug Designation

In the past, it has been difficult to mobilize drug developers to create therapies targeted for rare conditions. Rare conditions, in the United States, are those affecting fewer than 200,000 people. To incentivize drug development in this space, the Orphan Drug Act was passed. Orphan drug designation is now given to therapies which focus on treating, preventing, or diagnosing the rare community. Drug developers earn benefits like fee waivers, tax credits, and even seven years of market exclusivity if their drug is eventually approved. 

What is Pancreatic Cancer?

Pancreatic cancer occurs when cells become abnormal and begin to grow out of control, forming a tumor in the pancreas. The pancreas, an organ that sits behind the stomach, contributes to blood sugar management and digestion. These processes are interrupted and impaired as the cancer manifests, leading to a multitude of health issues. Pancreatic cancer has multiple subtypes including Islet cell tumors and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Because people often don’t show symptoms until the cancer has progressed, most people remain undiagnosed until later stages; this is, in part, why the cancer is so difficult to treat. 

If you smoke, are obese, or have a family history of pancreatic cancer, your risk also increases. People who develop this cancer are also typically age 45+. Males are slightly more likely than females to develop pancreatic cancer.

Symptoms of this cancer may include:

• Dark urine and light stools
• Newly onset or worsening diabetes
• Losing significant weight without meaning to
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes)
• Upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back
• Blood clots
• Fatigue
• Itchy skin
• Gas and bloating
• Bowel obstructions
• Appetite loss