Modulation is a West Virginia University-based start-up firm that focuses on the early discovery and development of translational therapies. Credit: WVU Photo/ Ā© West Virginia University.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved investigational new drug application of Modulation Therapeutics to commence human trial of its drug, MTI-201, to treat uveal melanoma.

Established in 2011, Modulation is a West Virginia University (WVU)-based start-up firm that focuses on the early discovery and development of translational therapies.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile ā€“ free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The company was jointly founded by WVU Cancer Institute basic research associate director Lori Hazlehurst and WVU Cancer Institute researcher Mark McLaughlin.

Researchers are now developing a cancer therapy that targets the diseased cells with greater precision, without impacting healthy cells.

The FDA approval to initiate the trial is based on substantial preclinical research.

MTI-201 was developed for the treatment of uveal melanoma after tumour spread to other parts of the body.

The drug attains its precision by targeting a particular protein biomarker found in higher concentrations in the uveal melanoma cells.

MTI-201 does not damage healthy cells as the protein is not abundant in these cells.

McLaughlin said: ā€œThe current therapy for primary uveal melanoma is irradiation of the eye.

ā€œBecause the radiation is coming from the outside, it causes all sorts of collateral damage while itā€™s going into the site where the tumour actually is.

ā€œOur drug could be injected right into the eye at a very, very low dose. It wouldnā€™t be circulating throughout the body. It would reach the target immediately.ā€

In the future, the researchers anticipate that the drug could potentially be utilised for treating localised cases of uveal melanoma before it progresses to other regions.

Although uveal melanoma is a rare illness overall, it is the most common kind of eye cancer.