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Lisata Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:LSTA) chief medical officer Dr Kristen Buck discussed with Proactive a promising collaboration between the company and the University of Cincinnati aimed at investigating an endometriosis treatment.
Dr Buck highlighted Certepetide, Lisata's novel cyclic peptide therapeutic that targets integrins and neuropilin receptors, which are notably elevated in both solid tumors and endometriosis.
This project uses a mouse model developed by the University of Cincinnati to investigate how combining Certepetide with the anti-VEGF drug bevacizumab (Avastin) affects the reduction of endometrial lesions and related pain.
Proactive: Excited to talk to you about a recent news release from Lisata Therapeutics. It highlights a new partnership with the University of Cincinnati. We'll get into the details of that shortly, but first, could you tell us more about Certepetide?
Kristen Buck: Sure. Certepetide is a unique asset -- a cyclic nine-amino-acid peptide that selectively targets integrins and neuropilin receptors, which are often upregulated in solid tumors. Essentially, Certepetide enhances the penetration of any anti-cancer drug present in the tumor microenvironment. It also has other mechanisms that modify the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, such as reducing regulatory T cells and increasing cytotoxic T cells. We even have data suggesting that Certepetide by itself can inhibit the metastatic process.
That's interesting. The news release discusses combining your product with another drug to explore its effectiveness in treating endometriosis. Can you explain what's involved in this partnership with the University of Cincinnati?
Certainly. We're thrilled to be collaborating with the University of Cincinnati on this. Unlike tumors, endometriosis isn't malignant, but it does have the same upregulated integrins and neuropilin receptors. In our partnership, we're using the University's mouse model to evaluate our drug in combination with bevacizumab -- commonly known as Avastin -- which is an anti-VEGF drug. Our goal is to confirm that Certepetide can selectively target endometriosis and allow anti-VEGF drugs to penetrate, potentially reducing both the lesion burden and pain experienced by women.
What kind of trial will this be with the university? How long will it take, and what are the next steps?
The University of Cincinnati has a well-established mouse model that closely mimics endometriosis in women, being responsive to hormone modulators, among other things. Our study will involve about 60 mice divided into six groups, testing two different doses of bevacizumab alongside intravenous Certepetide. The experiment involves three weeks for lesion development, followed by three weeks of treatment. We'll then assess whether the lesion burden has decreased. If results are promising, we'll further study the drugs' effects together on the immunohistochemical level.
Could you tell us more about endometriosis and its impact?
Endometriosis is extremely common, affecting roughly 10% of women of reproductive age globally -- about 190 million women. It's often under-recognized, though it causes severe, life-impacting pain during menstrual cycles, sexual intercourse, bowel movements, and urination. Women can experience bloating, nausea, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and, in some cases, infertility. Current treatments are mainly symptomatic -- non-steroidal analgesics, hormonal modulators, and sometimes surgery. This combination of Certepetide with anti-VEGF could make a meaningful difference for those affected.
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and style