Kazia Therapeutics Limited (ASX: KZA; NASDAQ: KZIA) is an oncology-focused drug development company.

Their lead program is paxalisib, which is being developed to treat glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive form of primary brain cancer in adults. There are few treatment options for sufferers of GBM and around 65% of sufferers do not respond to currently available treatments. The condition affects around 133,000 people globally per annum and the potential addressable market is worth more than US$1 billion.

Kazia’s drug paxalisib, commenced recruitment to GBM AGILE, a pivotal study in glioblastoma, in January 2021. Eight additional studies are active in various forms of brain cancer. Paxalisib was granted Orphan Drug Designation for glioblastoma by the US FDA in February 2018, and Fast Track Designation for glioblastoma by the US FDA in August 2020. Kazia is also developing EVT801, a small-molecule inhibitor of VEGFR3, which was licensed from Evotec SE in April 2021. Preclinical data for EVT801 has shown it to be active against a broad range of tumour types and has provided compelling evidence of synergy with immuno- oncology agents.

A phase I study is expected to begin in CY2021. Competitive Advantages: – Lead program, paxalisib, sourced from the world’s most successful cancer drug developer, Genentech – Experienced team with extensive backgrounds in big pharma and biotech – Around 65% of GBM sufferers do not respond to current treatments – Multiple shots on goal with collaborations progressing in other cancers; largely funded by participating hospitals.

For more information, head to their website.