Our Science

Vivacitas is pursuing development of a next generation camptothecin (Topoisomerase-1 enzyme inhibitor).

As a class of compounds, camptothecins have demonstrated efficacy in multiple tumor types and are currently approved for use in colorectal, pancreatic, ovarian, and small cell lung cancer. Their use is often limited due to tolerability and side effects.

Next Generation Camptothecin

AR-67 is a third-generation, completely synthetic Camptothecin-based compound.

Molecules of the Camptothecin class originate from the bark and stem of a native Chinese deciduous tree, Camptotheca acuminata, and have a long-standing clinical history as chemotherapeutic agents in a number of different cancer indications.

However, current Camptothecin-based treatments have limitations relating to efficacy and tolerability.

Novel Enzyme Inhibitor

Camptothecins exert their therapeutic effects via their inhibition of Topoisomerase I (Top I).

Topl is an enzyme that plays a critical role in cell division, DNA replication, and RNA transcription.

TopI relaxes the DNA by clipping, unwinding, and re-sealing it, thereby allowing the replication and transcription mechanism to move down the slackened DNA strand.

By binding to Top I, Camptothecin-based compounds ‘stall’ the mechanism at the site where TopI has made a clip, preventing further unwinding and re-sealing.

AR-67 is a silatecan-based, third-generation camptothecin. As a novel lipophilic small molecule compound, AR-67 offers the potential to advance the standard of care for patients and offer new tools to the medical community in a challenging treatment area through increased efficacy and tolerability for patients.

View our technology

Our Difference: Product Profile

  • Potential for increased potency
  • Demonstrated improvements in blood stability and uptake
  • Pre-clinical and Clinical data suggest positive efficacy trends
  • Clinical studies show reduced side effects
  • Patented synthesis method
AR-67 has the potential to deliver the efficacy of Camptothecins with significantly less gastrointestinal and hematological toxicity than Irinotecan. That could be a game changer for patients with gastrointestinal cancers.
Dr. Gerard Blobe, MD, PhD.Duke University School of Medicine.
AR–67 is a next generation camptothecin optimized for fewer side effects and blood-brain-barrier penetration. In glioblastoma patients treated with AR-67 on a clinical trial at our center, we saw encouraging outcomes and tumor shrinkage. AR-67 was extremely well tolerated. I believe AR-67 represents a novel approach in treating this devastating disease.
Dr. Jai Grewal, MD.NSPC Brain and Spine Surgery, NY

References

1. Novel silatecan displays high lipophilicity, improved blood stability and potent
anticancer activity. Bom D, et al J Med Chem 2000; 43:3970-3980

2. Silatecan DB-67 is a novel DNA Topo-1 targeted radiation sensitizer: Chen AY. Mol
Cancer Ther 2005; 4(2): 317-24.

3. Phase I study publication: Arnold SM, et al. Clin Cancer Res. 2010;6:673-680

4. Phase II study publication (abstract): Kumthekar P, et al. SNO 2019. Poster ACTR-40,
published in Neuro-Oncology(https://academic.oup.com/neuro-oncology)

5. Ubiquitin-dependent Destruction of Topoisomerase I Is
Stimulated by the Antitumor Drug Camptothecin*, Desai et al. The Journal of Biological Chemistry, Vol. 272, No. 39, Issue of September 26, pp. 24159–24164, 1997.  https://www.jbc.org

6. Metabolic Pathways of the Camptothecin Analog AR-67, Horn et al. Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Vol. 39, No. 4, 37390/3672838, 2011. https://dmd.aspetjournals.org