The NIH exclusive license covers composition and uses of RCT1938 worldwide as a radiosensitizer to treat cancer and to treat or prevent radiation exposure in humans.
RCT1938 is a novel radiosensitizer that sensitizes tumor cells to killing by radiation while protecting healthy cells from radiation damage by inhibiting the synthesis of the novel target protein CD47.
RCTI CEO and president Craig Liddell said the company believes that the RCT1938 will become the standard adjuvant for use in conjunction with cancer radiotherapy.
"It is believed that the compound will permit lower doses of radiation to be effective and allow for higher lifetime doses of radiation with greater patient safety and fewer side effects," Liddell added.
RCT1938 selectively sensitizes solid tumors to radiation killing and inhibits apoptosis (programmed cell death) in a comprehensive, multifactorial manner in healthy tissues, by blocking the synthesis and expression of CD47.
RCT1938 simultaneously activates natural survival pathways and triggers the cellular switch from apoptosis to survival in radiation injury in healthy cells, according to RCTI.