According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in 2020 there were approximately 19.29 million new cancer cases worldwide, and estimates predict that this will reach 24.58 million by 2030. With the increase in cases and advances in therapeutic technology, the cancer immunotherapy market is also growing, estimated at USD 125.69 billion in 2023 and expected to grow at a rate of 8.3% per year until 2030. (1)
However, although the importance and potential of immunotherapy in the fight against cancer has been amply proven, not all patients respond in the same way. Generally, only a portion of those treated respond positively, while another may develop resistance during treatment. For this reason, the main focus of research in recent years has been to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy treatments.
To overcome this challenge, Biofarma Group has launched an innovative project in collaboration with the Department of Surgery, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology of the University of Naples ‘Federico II’, the Centro Sperimentale del Latte (CSL) and The Akkermansia Company. Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of probiotic therapy as an adjuvant to immunotherapy, with initial focus on liver cancer.
Specifically, this project aims to develop an advanced nutraceutical product based on an innovative mix of probiotics, including Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium adolescentis, known for their proven defence against intracellular pathogens and anti-cancer activity, and Akkermansia muciniphila, a ‘good’ bacterium of the intestinal microbiome with immunostimulant potential. The formulation also contains inulin capable of promoting the growth of bacteria that help the immune system fight cancer.
The decision to develop a probiotic-based treatment is based on the numerous scientific evidences that have shown how the gut microbiota plays a key role in enhancing the response to immunotherapy. Recent studies have in particular demonstrated links between the presence of specific probiotic strains, including Akkermansia muciniphila, and the possible enhancement of cancer therapy.
The efficacy of the nutraceutical solution developed by Biofarma Group was observed through a first phase of tests conducted on animal models, the results of which suggest that this formulation can improve the efficacy of immunotherapy by normalising the gut microbiota prior to treatment and making it a more favourable environment for therapeutic action.
This supports the initial thesis that a balanced microbiota, supported by specific probiotics, can enhance the immune system response and reduce tumour resistance.
Although further research is needed to better understand the potential of this new approach, the initial results are promising and indicate that the treatment could work on various tumour types, not just hepatocellular carcinoma.
For this reason, Biofarma Group is looking for a partner to bring this innovation into clinical practice and then conduct a study on cancer patients to definitively validate the efficacy of the approach. To this end, the Group is making its network of important opinion leaders, universities and research centres available to support the partner in carrying out the scientific and industrial activities necessary to finalise the product and bring it to the market, thus creating a potentially revolutionary treatment in the fight against cancer.
Content sponsored by Biofarma Group
References
- Cancer Immunotherapy Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report, By Product, By Application, By Distribution (Hospital Pharmacy, Retail Pharmacy, Online Pharmacy), By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 – 2030
