Apoptin®

Abstract

Tumor cells are often characterized by the traithey are more resistant to apoptosis induced by e.g. cytotoxic agents than normal cells. Resistance to apoptosis induction can be a direct consequence of mutations in certain tumor-suppressor genes (p53) or of certain proto-oncogenes (Bcl-2). Therefore, new cancer therapies are under development to bypass the resistance to chemo- and radio-therapy of tumors. Apoptin acts independently of p53, is stimulated by Bcl-2 and is insensitive to BCR-ABL, which means that Apoptin can induce apoptosis in cases where present (chemo)therapeutic agents, unfortunately, will fail. The fact that Apoptin induces apoptosis in human tumorigenic cells but not in normal diploid cells, implies that side-effects of Apoptin treatment are expected to be minor. In-vivo results with a first prototype of anti-tumor therapy based on expression of Apoptin indicate that Apoptin has low acute toxicity and is effective as an anti-tumor agent.