Atossa Therapeutics Highlights Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOS), a pioneering biopharmaceutical company in breast cancer therapeutics, is celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. This month serves as a critical reminder of the necessity for heightened awareness, research advancement, and the development of groundbreaking breast cancer treatments. With an alarming statistic that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lives, Atossa stands committed to elevating education, encouraging early detection, and ensuring access to effective treatment options.
Importance of Early Detection
The significance of this year’s campaign is further underlined by recent regulatory changes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has implemented an updated rule under the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), which mandates that healthcare providers inform women about their breast density results post-mammogram. Dense breast tissue is recognized as a risk factor for breast cancer, prompting the need for women to have conversations with their healthcare professionals about supplementary screening options to aid in early cancer detection.
Expert Insights
Steven Quay, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Atossa, emphasized, "Breast Cancer Awareness Month prompts us to consider the vital role education and early detection play in combating breast cancer. Though advancements have been made, continuous research is essential for improving outcomes across the millions of lives affected by this disease annually. At Atossa, our focus remains on developing innovative treatments and raising awareness about critical risk factors like dense breast tissue, which can lead to missed diagnoses."
Clinical Trials and Research Endeavors
Atossa is actively investigating its leading compound, (Z)-endoxifen, through multiple phase 2 clinical trials. Notably, the Karisma-Endoxifen study aims to assess the ability of (Z)-endoxifen to decrease mammographic breast density among premenopausal women. Results from this research are anticipated in the latter part of the year, with the understanding that there are currently no approved treatments to effectively lower breast density—an issue that complicates tumor detection during mammograms and raises the risk of undiagnosed cancers.
Support for Innovative Studies
In addition, Atossa is engaged in the SMART (Stockholm MAmmography Risk stratified Trial) study. This promising phase 2 study seeks to validate an artificial intelligence-driven model that assesses breast cancer risk. The goal is to identify women at particularly high risk of developing breast cancer within the next two years through an individualized, imaging-based screening approach. Should the model prove effective, it could lay the groundwork for a phase 3 trial involving (Z)-endoxifen's application in cancer prevention strategies.
Understanding (Z)-Endoxifen
(Z)-endoxifen is recognized as a powerful Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) capable of inhibiting estrogen receptors and promoting their degradation. Its potential efficacy in patients resistant to other hormonal therapies is notable. Moreover, there are indications that (Z)-endoxifen effectively targets PKC?1—a protein associated with oncogenic processes—at levels achievable in clinical settings. Furthermore, it shows promise for mitigating bone-related side effects while minimizing uterine proliferation compared to conventional treatments like tamoxifen.
Atossa's Market Strategy and Vision
Atossa is advancing a unique oral formulation of (Z)-endoxifen that bypasses the liver during metabolism. This formulation is designed to prevent the acid in the stomach from converting (Z)-endoxifen into an inactive form. Early phase 1 and phase 2 studies indicate that this formulation has been well tolerated among women diagnosed with breast cancer, further supporting its potential within the market. Currently, (Z)-endoxifen is being tested in five phase 2 clinical trials, addressing conditions including ductal carcinoma in situ and ER+/HER2- breast cancer. To protect their innovations, Atossa holds several issued patents and numerous patent applications pending.
About Atossa Therapeutics
Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. focuses on developing innovative therapies to address significant medical needs in oncology. Their lead product candidate, (Z)-endoxifen, aims to offer new hope in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. For more details, interested individuals can find more about Atossa on its company website.
Contact Information
Michael Parks, VP Investor and Public Relations
484-356-7105
michael.parks@atossainc.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves to raise awareness about breast cancer, highlighting the importance of education, early detection, and innovative treatments.
What is (Z)-endoxifen?
(Z)-endoxifen is a potent Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator being developed by Atossa Therapeutics for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.
Why is dense breast tissue a concern?
Dense breast tissue is a risk factor for breast cancer, as it can make tumors harder to detect during mammograms.
What trials is Atossa currently conducting?
Atossa is conducting multiple phase 2 trials with (Z)-endoxifen, focusing on its effects on breast density and its potential in treating different breast cancer subtypes.
How does Atossa's formulation of (Z)-endoxifen differ?
Atossa's formulation aims to bypass liver metabolism and prevent the stomach from converting (Z)-endoxifen into an inactive form, enhancing its effectiveness.
