SAXOL
A new therapeutic agent with dual properties: it synergises taxanes and protects against chemo-induced neuropathy

Benefits
- Reduction of taxane doses without loss of therapeutic efficacy
- Reduced toxicity
- Prevention of chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy
Key words
- Taxane chemotherapy
- Peripheral neuropathies
- Cancer
Intellectual Property
- 1 patent
Laboratory
- IAB
Institutions
- CNRS
- INSERM
- UGA
Linksium Continuum
- Maturation
Results
- Available licenses
Context
Taxane-based chemotherapies are among the most frequently used cancer therapies. However, they have adverse effects such as neuropathy (CIPN), which have a major impact on patients' quality of life. These neuropathies are often the cause of treatment discontinuation and compromise the success of the cancer treatment. In 1 out of 4 cases, they may even persist irremediably.
Technology
SAXOL project is based on the discovery of Carba1, which acts in synergy with Taxol®, allowing doses to be reduced while maintaining its therapeutic effectiveness. It also activates a metabolic enzyme, which has a neuroprotective effect.
Advantages
- Reduction of taxane doses for a preserved therapeutic effect: limitation of toxicities due to taxane formulations, reduction of resistance.
- Neuroprotective effect preventing the onset of neuropathies for which there is no effective preventive treatment.
State of progress
- Validated and patented method for the synthesis of Carba1
- Synergistic effect of the Carba1/Taxol combination validated in vivo in a mouse tumour model
- ADME-Tox: performed, no warning signals
- Neuroprotection: demonstrated on neurons in vitro. Target and mechanism of action known.
Applications
- Cancer chemotherapy
- Prevention of chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy
- Potential prevention of other neuropathies (diabetes) and neurodegenerative diseases

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