Dr. Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades, a distinguished Cypriot scientist, biotech innovator, and co-founder of Theramir Ltd., recently marked a significant milestone in her career. In a heartfelt social media post, she celebrated the granting of a US Patent (No: 12,133,860 B2) for her miRNA-based therapy targeting LCP-1 positive cancers. This groundbreaking achievement is both deeply personal and professionally monumental, representing years of relentless dedication, cutting-edge research, and resilience in the fight against cancer.
More than a scientific accomplishment, this patent stands as a moment of pride for Cyprus, spotlighting the extraordinary contributions of its people to global advancements in medicine and biotechnology.
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We had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Prokopi-Demetriades to learn more about her journey, the significance of this innovation, and its potential to transform oncology care. Here’s what she shared with us.
Dr. Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades’ Comments on the Patent:
Targeting LCP-1 Positive Cancers
This patent focuses on a miRNA-based therapy targeting LCP-1 positive cancers, which include more than 30 known cancer types characterised by aggressive behaviour and high metastatic potential. Our technology specifically targets solid tumours while sparing healthy cells by utilising stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles as delivery vehicles. This ensures precise targeting, reduces off-target effects, and enhances therapeutic efficacy.
How It Works
The therapy works by reprogramming cancerous cells, reversing their phenotype to a normal, healthy state. By leveraging miRNA’s natural role in regulating key cancer pathways, this approach not only slows disease progression but has the potential to reverse the cancerous process entirely. The use of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles as carriers enhances specificity and reduces potential toxicity to non-cancerous tissues.
Platform Technology
This is a platform technology that has been successfully tested in preclinical studies on some of the most challenging cancers, including triple-negative breast cancer, bladder cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Its versatility and scalability mean it can be expanded to treat a broad range of LCP-1 positive cancers in the future.
The Journey To The Patent
This achievement represents years of dedicated research and development, with the patent process beginning in 2018. Its grant underscores the potential of this technology and the perseverance of our team to transform oncology care.
Next Steps
We are currently advancing toward pilot manufacturing, focusing on ensuring the scalability and reproducibility of this therapy. Our goal is to collaborate with academic and industry partners to support the transition into Phase I clinical trials in the next few years. This phase is critical to bringing the therapy closer to clinical application and patient care.
What It Means For Patients
This technology is designed to provide targeted, effective, and patient-friendly solutions for some of the most difficult-to-treat solid tumours. By addressing metastasis and reprogramming cancer cells at the molecular level, it holds the promise of improving survival rates and quality of life for patients who currently have limited treatment options. Its ability to selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues sets it apart as a safer and more precise therapy.
We are excited about the potential impact of this innovation and remain committed to pushing the boundaries of cancer care.
Dr. Prokopi-Demetriades’ vision and dedication exemplify the power of innovation in addressing some of the world’s most pressing healthcare challenges. Her breakthrough serves as a beacon of hope for cancer patients globally.
