DTP is a high-tech SME located in the Netherlands that is dedicated to the development of smart drugs to treat cancer. Our pipeline includes unique candidates for cancer treatment, including hypoxia-activated prodrugs. The\ integration of bacterial genetics in our business enables us to broaden our scope and to develop novel solutions
for the treatment of cancer, resulting in a frontrunner position in the oncology field. In addition, the development of this system will have a major impact on DTP’s business. DTP has selected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as first focal indication with respect to the large unmet need, market size, industrial interest, and access to patient
cohorts. In 2010, there were 547,000 new cases of lung cancer in the seven major markets. Of these patients, 331,996 are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases in stage III-IV. 57,400 patients account for stage III-IV small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Addressing a share of this market as small as 1-5% with our Clostridium-based treatment
would result in multi-million Euro revenues and royalty payments for lung cancer treatment alone. In addition, areas of necrosis, where the bacteria localise, occur in most solid cancers and hence this treatment could be scaled relatively quickly to a much larger market. This is also illustrated by the high market sales of marketed
immune checkpoint inhibitors with sales numbers exceeding $1200 million 2014 (Ipilimumab).
This project will make DTP an expert in the field of microbiology and bacterial genetics with a unique focus on Clostridium in relation to oncology. The new expertise in this field will allow DTP to kick-start development of our customised living vaccine, including through the planned feasibility study, and further down the road successfully
bring this product initially onto the NSCLC (and later onto a broader oncology) market. As this tumour delivery vehicle will increase the efficacy of immunotherapies, the potential for success of the therapies that DTP is developing will further increase. DTP foresees to market a combination platform where expression of anti-PD-1 is
integrated in the delivery vehicle to yield high efficacy. In addition, the development of Clostridium as a delivery vehicle for drugs also opens doors to other applications with commercial potential, e.g. in diagnostic imaging. Combined, these factors offer DTP a strong competitive edge and excellent growth potential for the future.
