Tucson drug would treat rare condition that leads to colon cancer
Sep 21, 2017, 4:18 AM
(Public Domain Photo)
(Public Domain Photo)
PHOENIX — People who suffer from a rare genetic condition that makes them more prone to colon cancer could soon have a Tucson-designed medication to help them fight the illness.
Cancer Prevention Pharmaceuticals’ drug, CPP-1X, helps prevent disease progression in patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.
When people have the disease, their body cannot protect itself against the risk of aged cells becoming cancerous.
“We’re talking about kids going in for colonoscopies every year and endoscopic or surgical procedures,” the company’s chairman, Jeff Jacobs, said. “Then, having their colon taken out in high school or college.”
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has told the company it’s ready to fast-track approval of the medication. Clinical trials were underway.
“I compare [fast-tracking] like the airport security line,” Jacobs said. “You can get in the normal line, or you can get one of these special global-entry passes.
“You’re still going to have to deal with the typical things the FDA requires.”
Among those typical things are clinical trials and medical proof the drug is generally safe.
The FDA’s designation is intended to facilitate development and expedite the review of drugs that treat serious conditions and fill an unmet medical need to get important new drugs to patients earlier.
