Carolina BioPharm Inc.

Scientists are now recognizing that many kinds of cancers are able to build their own blood-supply systems even in the presence of anti-angiogenic drugs including antibodies and tailored chemicals. While no one can say for sure just what enables "angiogenic escape" and "vascular mimicry" by cancers, researchers are pursuing clues - and some companies are working to develop new drugs based on their findings. For its part, Carolina BioPharm believes that the small peptide it currently has in Phase IIa trials will prove to be a better angiogenesis inhibitor than Avastin and its ilk, because it inhibits not only VEGF but also placental growth factor (PlGF).