Using a mouse model of triple negative breast cancer, they tested the new leptin receptor antagonist peptide and compared it to conventional chemotherapy. The leptin receptor antagonist peptide extended the average survival time by 80 percent, compared to 21 percent for chemotherapy. The peptide was found to be non-toxic even up to the highest dose administered, said Sumacz.

"If this peptide, with its advantageous administration route and safety profile, can be developed as a drug it could be a useful addition to the existing oncology drug repertoire against various forms of cancer, including breast, brain, prostate and colon cancers," said Sumacz.

The study was partially funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Otvos and Surmacz are inventors on an international patent application covering this peptide and analogues for the treatment of various cancers, arthritis and autoimmune disease forms. The patent is owned by Temple University. Start-up Peptherx, Inc has an exclusive option to negotiate a license to these compounds from Temple University.

SOURCE Temple University