Our topical chemopreventive gel for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most advanced product in our portfolio. The gel is targeting daily applications to areas of the body with high sun exposure (i.e. hands, arms, face, neck, ears and scalp) to prevent the development of an initial or subsequent NMSC.
This strategy differs markedly from the use of sunscreens, which minimise further skin damage but do not necessarily prevent skin cancers from emerging. Sunscreens cannot undo damage inflicted on the skin from exposure to ultraviolet light early in life. PharmaQest’s product offers chemoprevention later in life, to prevent skin cancers from developing on sun-damaged areas. There are no registered chemopreventives for NMSC.
Australia’s high incidence of NMSC makes it a particularly suitable environment for the conduct of the required clinical trials for PharmaQest’s lead product. The increasing incidence of NMSC worldwide, and the growth of an ageing demographic in the developed world, make the chemopreventive gel an ideal candidate for pharmaceutical licensing.
PharmaQest has exclusive rights to patents protecting its Intellectual Property, with a granted patent in Australia(Appl. No. 2003237034) and South Africa (Appl. No. 2004/6683). Examination in other territories (including the US, EU and Asia) is progressing (International Publication number WO 03061713).
PharmaQest’s product pipeline includes a range of products using this initial technology platform.
PharmaQest has successfully completed:
Planning for a larger Phase IIb efficacy trial has begun.