Noxopharm’s Glioblastoma Breakthrough
Noxopharm (ASX: NOX) has announced promising preclinical results in its fight against glioblastoma, the most common and deadly brain cancer. Patients diagnosed with glioblastoma typically have a survival time of just 15 months. However, Noxopharm’s new drug candidates, CRO-70 and CRO-71, have shown significant potential.
These drugs are part of Noxopharm’s Chroma technology platform, developed in collaboration with UniSA’s Centre for Cancer Biology. The preclinical study involved testing the medications on patient-derived tumour explant organoids (GBOs). These GBOs, generated from surgically removed brain cancer tumours, closely replicate the human brain tumour environment.
The results are encouraging. CRO-70 and CRO-71 reduced glioblastoma growth by approximately 76% compared to untreated controls. The low probability value (p = 0.0001) indicates the results are statistically significant. Importantly, these drugs also crossed the blood-brain barrier, a major challenge in brain cancer treatment. Noxopharm plans further studies, supported by a $100,000 grant from Tour de Cure, a cancer charity.
Noxopharm’s shares increased by 9.5% to $0.115, with a market capitalisation of $30.68 million. The company’s stock has gained over 300% in the past year.
Percheron Therapeutics: Epilepsy Program Shows Promise
Percheron Therapeutics (ASX: PER) has released positive preclinical data from its autoimmune epilepsy program. The study involved testing avicursen (ATL-1102) on a mouse model. Avicursen targets CD49d, a cell-surface receptor that influences white blood cell activity.
The results were promising. The median seizure frequency was reduced by 66% compared to the saline control. This significant reduction highlights Avicursen’s potential in treating autoimmune epilepsy, which accounts for up to 35% of new epilepsy cases.
Despite this positive data, Percheron’s shares remained unchanged at $0.085. The company has a market capitalisation of $76.63 million.
Cyclopharm: Solid Start in the US with Technegas
Cyclopharm (ASX: CYC) has reported early sales success in the US for its lung imaging tool, Technegas. After years of effort, the company received FDA approval in late 2023. Since then, it has recorded $250,000 in sales.
Technegas, already approved in many countries, involve the patient inhaling a radioactive gas-like substance. This process improves the diagnosis of pulmonary embolisms. Cyclopharm has administered Technegas 4.9 million times globally.
In the first half of 2024, the company reported a flat Technegas revenue of $7.46 million. However, the US market investment led to a loss of $7.48 million, up from a previous deficit of $2.66 million. The company recently secured a three-year reimbursement deal from public US health insurers.
Cyclopharm’s shares rose by 4.3% to $1.44, with a market capitalisation of $153.36 million. The company estimates the US market for pulmonary embolism at $180 million, with potential growth to $900 million as Technegas is adopted for other lung diseases.
Echo IQ’s AI-Driven Success in Heart Failure Detection
Echo IQ (ASX: EIQ) has announced strong results from two clinical studies evaluating its AI-based Heart Failure System. In collaboration with St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research and the University of Notre Dame, the studies showed the AI system detected 86% of heart failure cases. It significantly improved over the 46% detection rate by current clinical practices.
The combination of AI and clinical evaluation further increased diagnosis accuracy to 97% for high-risk individuals. The company’s announcement was well received, with Echo IQ shares rising 10% to $0.165. The company now has a market capitalisation of $80.64 million.
Golden Deeps Hits High-Grade Copper and Zinc
Golden Deeps (ASX: GED) made a significant discovery during its Havilah Project. The company intersected thick copper and zinc sulphide mineralisation during diamond drilling. Initial pXRF readings showed up to 18.5% copper and 34.8% zinc.
This discovery sent Golden Deeps’ shares soaring by 207.1% to $0.086, with a market capitalisation of $3.39 million. The company’s stock is now trading near its 52-week high of $0.091.
Conclusion
The biotech and healthcare sectors on the ASX are buzzing with activity. Companies like Noxopharm, Percheron Therapeutics, Cyclopharm, Echo IQ, and Golden Deeps are making significant strides in their respective fields. As these companies continue to innovate, investors are watching closely, ready to capitalise on the next breakthrough.
