Astellas Pharma Inc. has acquired PRL-02, a prostate cancer treatment program being developed by Propella Therapeutics Inc. for USD175 million.

TOKYO and PITTSBORO, N.C.: Propella Therapeutics, Inc. is a privately held biopharmaceutical company that has successfully leveraged a wholly owned proprietary platform combining medicinal chemistry with lymphatic targeting. This innovative approach has led to the creation of new and promising oncology drugs.

In a recent development, Astellas has announced its acquisition of Propella, which will grant Astellas access to PRL-02 (abiraterone decanoate). PRL-02 is an advanced next-generation androgen biosynthesis inhibitor specifically designed to combat prostate cancer. This novel drug, functioning as a long-acting prodrug, exhibits exceptional potential in its ability to continuously release abiraterone after intramuscular injection. By achieving high concentrations in target tissues, PRL-02 aims to enhance efficacy and safety, surpassing existing treatment options through its high CYP17 lyase inhibition selectivity.

Currently, PRL-02 is undergoing Phase 1 clinical trials and is anticipated to progress to Phase 2a clinical trials in 2024. This exciting development signifies a significant step forward in the ongoing fight against prostate cancer, bringing renewed hope to patients and medical professionals alike.

The drug, which specifically targets a key enzyme responsible for androgen production, builds upon the success of previous medications, such as Janssen's Zytiga, to offer a similar therapeutic benefit. However, unlike Zytiga, which needs to be taken orally on a daily basis, the PRL-02 injection provides a convenient 12-week duration of action.

If PRL-02 proves to be effective and gains regulatory approval, it would emerge as a formidable contender against Zytiga. Notably, Zytiga was once a significant revenue generator, bringing in nearly USD2 billion for Johnson & Johnson. However, the introduction of several generic alternatives to the market has diminished its market dominance. With its unique mechanism of action and improved dosing schedule, PRL-02 could provide a promising alternative for patients in need of effective and convenient androgen-targeted therapy.

According to the President and CEO, Astellas, “The acquisition fits with Astellas’ strategy to provide patients with therapeutic options for diseases with high unmet medical needs. Propella has a promising program, PRL-02, targeting prostate cancer. We believe that the synergy with Astellas' global development and commercialization capabilities in the cancer and urology fields will accelerate the development of PRL-02 and deliver new VALUE to patients with prostate cancer."

According to the President and CEO, Propella, “Propella has focused on the research and development of proprietary, highly selective inhibitors that precisely block the synthesis of androgens, the main driver of prostate cancer, without significant changes in other steroids that are known to reduce clinical activity and safety. We are gratified that Astellas recognizes and values PRL-02’s potential as a best-in-class therapeutic for the treatment of men with prostate cancer. We are delighted that Astellas has chosen PRL-02 for further development and we are committed to supporting Astellas’ plans to accelerate PRL-02 development to improve treatment options for prostate cancer patients globally."

According to TechSci Research, Prostate cancer, a prevalent form of cancer among men, often exhibits a tendency to metastasize to the bones in its advanced stages. This bone metastasis not only causes excruciating pain but also elevates the risk of fractures, further impacting the patient's quality of life. Moreover, in some unfortunate cases, prostate cancer can progress to spinal cord compression, a grave condition that necessitates immediate medical intervention to prevent permanent damage. If prostate cancer is not detected in its early stages or left untreated, it can potentially spread to nearby organs or disseminate through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, giving rise to metastasis in distant parts of the body. This highlights the importance of early detection, timely treatment, and vigilant monitoring to curb the progression of the disease and minimize the risk of complications.