Pet cancer drug goes to human trials

A breakthrough Queensland drug that has cured cancer tumours in pet dogs, cats and horses is to be trialled on humans.

Queensland life science company QBiotics Limited's chief executive Dr Victoria Gordon says it will fast track human trials for their cancer drug EBC-46.

She said EBC-46 would be the first drug discovered from Australia's unique rainforests to enter human clinical trials.

Dr Gordon said the drug had successfully reduced or eliminated inoperable solid tumours in more than 100 pet dogs, cats and horses.

She said the drug could help treat human skin cancer, head and neck cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.

"Many pet owners involved in veterinary trials of EBC-46 have ... literally watched the deadly tumours on their pets disintegrate within five to seven days of being treated," she said in a statement.

"It is absolutely amazing to see this drug in action.

"The tumours almost shrink before your eyes."

The drug was developed over six years of research into the seed of a Queensland rainforest plant.

"The drug, which is a previously unknown molecule, works differently to most current chemotherapy agents, in that it is not highly toxic to cells," Dr Gordon said.

The company QBiotics, established in 2004, is raising $10 million to fund human trials which will be run in Australia.

The capital raising is being managed by corporate finance manager Reuben Buchanan.

QBiotics has a target of making EBC-46 commercially available for veterinary markets in Australia this year with human clinical trials commencing in early 2011.

However, it will be some time before it is commercially available for humans.

- AAP