Photo credit: Tomer Appelbaum
Novel Horizons in Cancer Treatment and Prevention
Identifying novel substances and mechanisms to develop cancer-fighting pharmaceutical drugs.
Research with the Cancer-Resistant Subterranean Blind Mole-Rat (Spalax)
Main Researchers: Prof. Aaron Avivi (standing) with Dr. Imad Shams and Prof. Irena Marinov
Company Background
SpalRx Ltd. is advancing novel research to develop cancer-fighting drugs to be indicated for various types of human cancer.
The company was founded in 2016 by Carmel - the University of Haifa’s economic corporation, and is based on the groundbreaking discoveries of near-absolute cancer resistance in an animal model – the Subterranean Blind Mole-Rat (Spalax).
The company’s research is led by Prof. Aaron Avivi, Dr. Irena Manov and Dr. Imad Shams from the Institute of Evolution at the University of Haifa. The team is currently engaged in identifying and then isolating the secreted substance or substances enabling Spalax to fight off human cancer. Once achieved, the team will be dedicated to identifying cancer-resistant mechanisms to be applied in the development of new drugs to treat and prevent cancer.
Learn more about the technology and research status[CTO link: hyperlink to technology page]
Drug Market Potential
According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Nearly 1 in 6 deaths is dues to cancer, accounting for 8.8 million deaths in 2015. The number of new cases is expected to rise by about 70% over the next 2 decades.
Allied Market Research reports that the global cancer drugs market was valued at $78,238.9 million in 2015. It is expected to reach $111.9 billion by 2020, at a CAGR of 7.1%.
In spite of decades of cancer studies humans continue to suffer and the numbers only keep rising. The high cancer resistance in the Spalax and its proven ability to kill human cancer cells present a unique opportunity to search for novel, nature-based, solutions to fight the disease.
IP Status
The first patent is granted in US. the second Patent pending (national phase)
Innovation Investment & Partnership Opportunities
SpalRx Ltd. received seed investment from privet investor supporting the company’s research and development and steering it towards its present accomplishments.
Carmel Ltd. is now seeking potential partners and/or investors to drive company development and cancer drug market disruption.
Related pages
Novel Horizons in Cancer Treatment and Prevention - technology page
Prof. Aaron Avivi researcher page
Prof. Irena Manov researcher page
Dr. Imad Shams - researcher page
