Soluble IGF-1 Receptor for Cancer and Metastasis Overview: McGill University is seeking to outlicense intellectual property relating to soluble IGF-1 receptor for hepatic metastases. We have produced the full length recombinant extracellular protein domain of the IGF-1 receptor. The protein was administered parenterally to mice (iv or ip) inoculated with H-59 lung carcinoma cells. There was a marked reduction in hepatic metastases, and in several animals there was a complete absence of metastatic lesions. Moreover, sustained levels of soluble IGF-1 receptor protein are detected in blood indicating that the agent has a good PK profile. Validation: Figure 1: Liver metastases in mice after parenteral administration of soluble IGFIR. Liver metastases were enumerated 14 days following the instrasplenic/portal inoculation of tumor H-59 cells, wherein the number of metastases per liver is shown. Differentiation: Other strategies targeted to IGF-1 rely on MAbs. IGF-1 soluble receptor presents advantages:    High affinity specificity for IGF-1 and IGF-2 (low reactivity with insulin) Minimal effects on the IR-insulin axis (hyper- and hypoglycemia seen with Abs). Ability to inhibit the growth promoting effects of both IGF-1R and IR-A in cells that express both receptor systems (Abs can only block IGF-1R) Medical need: The receptor for the type 1 insulin-like growth factor (IGF-IR) has been identified as a major regulator of the malignant phenotype and a target for cancer therapy. Reducing circulating IGF-1 and IGF-2 levels represents a potential approach for the treatment of cancer. The present technology relates to the use of the “soluble” full length extracellular domain of the IGF-1 receptor (sIGF-1R) as a trap to reduce circulating IGF-1and IGF-2 for the treatment of cancer and liver metastases. For colorectal cancer which metastasizes almost exclusively to the liver, there are 100,000 new cases in the US annually and a 5-year survival rate of approximately 50%. High levels of IGF-1 are also a risk factor for other cancers including breast, prostate and lung. Inventors: Brodt Pnina et al. Profile: Pnina Brodt Ph.D. Professor, Departments of Surgery, Medicine & Oncology, McGill University and the McGill University Health Center Ph.D., McGill University; M.Sc., University of Ottawa; B.Sc., Bar-Ilan University Research: Dr. Brodt and her group study the molecular aspects of cancer metastasis. In particular, the roles of cell adhesion receptors, cytokines and growth factors in the regulation of angiogenesis, cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Another area of interest is gene therapy of cancer metastases. Multiple strategies are being developed for gene therapy of metastases based on the targeting and disruption of IGF-IR synthesis and/or signaling. The role of the host inflammatory response in liver metastasis; cytokines such as TNF and IL-1 and vascular endothelial adhesion receptors such as E-selectin, VCAM-1, PECAM-1 and ICAM-1 Michèle Beaulieu Office of Sponsored Research McGill University Tel: 514-398-6874 Email: [email protected] Reference code: ROI 09120 Opportunity: Exclusive license or research collaboration