BromAc® for Mucinous Tumours
The Role of Mucin in Cancer
Epithelia are protected by a mucous barrier. Secreted and transmembrane mucins constitute the mucous barrier and are largely unrecognized as effectors of carcinogenesis. Diverse human malignancies overexpress transmembrane mucins to exploit their role in signalling cell growth and survival. Mucins have been identified as markers of adverse prognosis. Certain transmembrane mucins induce transformation and promote tumour progression and are associated with chemoresistance and metastasis. Therefore mucin is an attractive therapeutic target.
MUC1, MUC2 and MUC5AC are highly expressed in gastrointestinal tumours. When investigating the effects of this combination treatment on mucin in human gastrointestinal cancer cells in animals, our team observed a significant decrease in the expression of MUC2 and MUC5AC. Evaluation of mechanism of action of BromAc® as an anti-cancer drug combination on this type of tumour showed that cytotoxicity was associated with induction of two signalling cascades: (i) caspase dependent apoptosis and (ii) autophagy-specific molecular signalling cascades. MUC1 is overexpressed and glycosylated in most cancers, exploited by cancer cells to induce transformation and tumourigenicity. We subsequently that a significant aspect of BromAc®’s anti-cancer function was by eliminating the MUC1 oncoprotein.
BromAc®
Mucpharm’s BromAc® is a combination of two naturally occurring organic products with proven safety profiles
Bromelain is an enzyme extract derived from the stems of pineapples, although it exists in all parts of the fresh pineapple. There are a number of existing commercial GMP sterile bromelain drug manufacturing suppliers
Acetylcysteine, also known as N-acetylcysteine (NAC), is a medication that is used to treat paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose, and to loosen thick mucus in individuals with cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It can be taken intravenously, by mouth, or inhaled as a mist. Acetylcysteine is a widely available generic drug
Mucpharm’s BromAc® is a patented drug combination that has a dramatic synergistic effect on the dissolution of tumour-produced mucin. In addition, BromAc™ has a major chemosensitising effect in a range of cancer types (adenocarcinoma, signet ring cell), a number of which have been displayed in pre-clinical in vivo studies.
BromAc®’s ability to breakdown cancer-produced mucin (the protective framework for cancer cells) allows for increased dispersion and absorption of administered therapies. The ability of BromAc™ to target and breakdown mucin in cancer may also allow for patients with thick mucinous ascites and inoperable peritoneal disease to be treated locally, potentially providing a therapeutic option for an unmet medical need. The safety and efficacy of BromAc® with or without chemotherapy in patients with peritoneal disease is currently being examined in two clinical trials.
How BromAc® works
Bromelain breaks glycosidic linkages
Acetylcysteine breaks disulfide bonds
If both bonds and/or linkages are broken, mucin dissolves to fluid – structural integrity
BromAc® profoundly increases the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapeutic agents on cancers – no mucin barrier – allows for chemotherapy entry and targeting of cancer cells (Cancer and Tumors)
Extensive pre-clinical safety and efficacy with clinical evidence of safety and efficacy in a phase I trial involving treatment into the peritoneum and pleura (Respiratory)
Local application (intraperitoneal) alone or with chemotherapy to control or downstage disease in adenocarcinoma – under pre-clinical development for IV application (Cancer and Wound Healing/Mesh)
