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OncoSenX uses the transcriptional activity, or gene activity, of solid tumors to target them using a lipid nanoparticle and plasmid DNA. Their system aims to induce apoptosis, a type of cell death, in cancerous cells. The plasmid DNA codes for an inducible death protein controlled by a DNA element called a promoter which is active the target cancer cells.
Their initial treatment targets tumors with elevated levels of p53 transcription factors. Cells are killed by apoptosis due to induction of Caspase-9, a critical enzyme in the apoptotic pathway. The DNA payload system implements logic gates, IF/OR/AND, allowing precise targeting of cell populations based on their genetic activity and leaving adjacent cells unharmed.
The delivery system uses a patented lipid nanoparticle (LNP) as a transfection agent to deliver the non-integrating DNA plasmid into cancer cells. Non-Human Primate Studies began in August, 2017 by RxGen which showed no visible toxicity at doses ten times the normal human dose, but full analysis is yet to be completed.
OncoSenX partners with Oisin Biotechnologies, Entos Pharmaceuticals, The Methuselah Fund, The Methuselah Foundation, The SENS Research Foundation and the laboratory of Dr. John Lewis at University of Alberta, Canada. Lewis is co-founder of OncoSenX along with Matthew Scholz.