Matinas BioPharma Announces Positive in vivo Efficacy Results of Oral LNC Docetaxel Formulation in a Melanoma Model

Study results show reduction in tumor size comparable to IV docetaxel and no systemic toxicity

BEDMINSTER, N.J., Nov. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Matinas BioPharma Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: MTNB), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on delivering groundbreaking therapies using its lipid nanocrystal (LNC) platform technology, announces positive results from an in vivo animal study of an oral LNC formulation of docetaxel, a well-known chemotherapeutic agent used in the management of multiple metastatic and unresectable tumors. Currently, docetaxel is administered intravenously and can be associated with significant side effects and toxicities.

“We are excited to report new in vivo data demonstrating the therapeutic efficacy of an oral LNC formulation of docetaxel,” said Dr. James J. Ferguson, Chief Medical Officer of Matinas. “We believe this is a step forward for Matinas’ unique drug delivery platform, taking us beyond our successes in infectious disease by providing convincing proof-of-principle that orally administered LNCs can effectively target tumors and successfully deliver small molecule therapeutics to those tumors.

“The study shows reductions in tumor size comparable to systemic intravenous docetaxel in a well-validated mouse melanoma model,” he added. “We observed no toxicity with our LNC formulations over the 10 days of oral dosing, noting this relatively short course of treatment was primarily targeting efficacy and will require further study and evaluation with longer periods of administration. Additional analyses of the data are ongoing, and we are preparing them for presentation at upcoming scientific meetings.”  

Study Design

Purpose: Document the efficacy of an oral LNC docetaxel formulation to target and treat tumors, with both negative (untreated) and positive (IV docetaxel) controls.

• Syngeneic tumor model (C57BL/6 mice injected with B16F10 murine melanoma cells)
• Four treatment groups
  • Untreated controls
  • Low-dose oral LNC docetaxel
  • High-dose oral LNC docetaxel
  • IV docetaxel
• Dosing of oral LNCs and IV docetaxel initiated at Day 5 following tumor cell injection
• Low-dose and high-dose oral LNC arms dosed daily through Day 14
• IV docetaxel administered on Day 5 and Day 10
• Tumor volume (caliper measurements) measured throughout the course of treatment
• Toxicity monitored throughout treatment and assessment of hematologic parameters at Day 14
• Animal sacrifice at Day 14
• Tumor volume measured at Day 14