Ranpirnase
Encyclopedia
Ranpirnase is a ribonuclease
enzyme
found in Northern Leopard Frog
(Rana pipiens) oocyte
s. It is being studied in the treatment of cancer
, specifically in pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma
. It is manufactured by Tamir Biotechnology, Inc. (formerly Alfacell Corporation) of Monmouth Junction, NJ and known by the ONCONASE trademark. ONCONASE failed in Phase III clinical trials due to safety issues. Onconase has been demonstrated as selectively cytotoxic against tumor cellshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21840114 and has been used empirically to treat malignant mesothelioma patients, with some patients experiencing prolonged survivalshttp://gan.sagepub.com/content/2/5/576.short.
A related therapeutic, QBI-139, is in Phase I trial. QBI-139 is an analog of human ribonuclease.
According to the company, this is a biopharmaceutical product candidate that works in a manner similar to RNA interference (RNAi). The product candidate, ONCONASE, is an RNase that "overcomes the challenges of targeting RNA for therapeutic purposes while enabling the development of a new class of therapies for cancer, viral, and other life-threatening diseases." Currently, Tamir is conducting a Phase II clinical trial with the addition of RANPIRNASE (ONCONASE) to PEMETREXED
plus CARBOPLATIN
in patients with non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Also according to the company, "ONCONASE is a first-in-class therapeutic based on Tamir's proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology. A natural protein isolated from the leopard frog, ONCONASE has been shown in the laboratory and clinic to target cancer cells while sparing normal cells. ONCONASE triggers apoptosis, the natural death of cells, via multiple molecular mechanisms of action."http://www.alfacell.com/
Ribonuclease
Ribonuclease is a type of nuclease that catalyzes the degradation of RNA into smaller components. Ribonucleases can be divided into endoribonucleases and exoribonucleases, and comprise several sub-classes within the EC 2.7 and 3.1 classes of enzymes.-Function:All organisms studied contain...
enzyme
Enzyme
Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions. In enzymatic reactions, the molecules at the beginning of the process, called substrates, are converted into different molecules, called products. Almost all chemical reactions in a biological cell need enzymes in order to occur at rates...
found in Northern Leopard Frog
Northern Leopard Frog
The Northern Leopard Frog is a species of leopard frog from the true frog family, native to parts of Canada and United States. It is the state amphibian of Minnesota and Vermont.-Physical description:...
(Rana pipiens) oocyte
Oocyte
An oocyte, ovocyte, or rarely ocyte, is a female gametocyte or germ cell involved in reproduction. In other words, it is an immature ovum, or egg cell. An oocyte is produced in the ovary during female gametogenesis. The female germ cells produce a primordial germ cell which undergoes a mitotic...
s. It is being studied in the treatment of cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
, specifically in pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the name given to the cancer that attacks the lining of the abdomen. This type of cancer affects the lining that protects the contents of the abdomen and which also provides a lubricating fluid to enable the organs to move and work properly.The peritoneum is made of two...
. It is manufactured by Tamir Biotechnology, Inc. (formerly Alfacell Corporation) of Monmouth Junction, NJ and known by the ONCONASE trademark. ONCONASE failed in Phase III clinical trials due to safety issues. Onconase has been demonstrated as selectively cytotoxic against tumor cellshttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21840114 and has been used empirically to treat malignant mesothelioma patients, with some patients experiencing prolonged survivalshttp://gan.sagepub.com/content/2/5/576.short.
A related therapeutic, QBI-139, is in Phase I trial. QBI-139 is an analog of human ribonuclease.
According to the company, this is a biopharmaceutical product candidate that works in a manner similar to RNA interference (RNAi). The product candidate, ONCONASE, is an RNase that "overcomes the challenges of targeting RNA for therapeutic purposes while enabling the development of a new class of therapies for cancer, viral, and other life-threatening diseases." Currently, Tamir is conducting a Phase II clinical trial with the addition of RANPIRNASE (ONCONASE) to PEMETREXED
Pemetrexed
Pemetrexed is a chemotherapy drug manufactured and marketed by Eli Lilly and Company. Its indications are the treatment of Pleural Mesothelioma as well as non-small cell lung cancer.-History:...
plus CARBOPLATIN
Carboplatin
Carboplatin, or cis-Diammineplatinum is a chemotherapy drug used against some forms of cancer...
in patients with non-squamous, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Also according to the company, "ONCONASE is a first-in-class therapeutic based on Tamir's proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology. A natural protein isolated from the leopard frog, ONCONASE has been shown in the laboratory and clinic to target cancer cells while sparing normal cells. ONCONASE triggers apoptosis, the natural death of cells, via multiple molecular mechanisms of action."http://www.alfacell.com/