Oncotelic Therapeutics Announces Publication of Landmark Study on TGFB2 Gene Methylation as a Positive Prognostic Marker in Pancreatic Cancer

Core Insights - Oncotelic Therapeutics has published a peer-reviewed research article identifying TGFB2 gene methylation as a positive prognostic biomarker for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) [1][2] - The study highlights the potential of TGFB2 methylation to improve overall survival in patients with low CD8+ T-cell infiltration [2][3] Group 1: Research Findings - PDAC is characterized as one of the most lethal cancers with limited treatment options, primarily relying on cytotoxic regimens like FOLFIRINOX [2] - High TGFB2 methylation combined with low expression of immune markers such as CD3D, LCK, and HLA-DRA correlates with a median overall survival exceeding 50 months [3] - The study emphasizes the need to profile TGFB1, TGFB2, and TGFB3 methylation to better understand tumor immune status and select candidates for immunotherapy in resistant "cold" tumors [4] Group 2: Company Commentary - Dr. Sanjive Qazi, the lead author, stated that the discovery enhances understanding of the TGFB gene complex in PDAC, particularly in immunologically cold tumors, supporting further clinical development of OT-101 [5] - Scott Myers highlighted the role of the AI-powered chatbot platform PDAOAI in accelerating scientific discovery through literature mining and analysis [5] - Dr. Michael Potts noted that large language models like PDAOAI are transforming the identification and interpretation of biomedical insights [5] Group 3: Company Background - Oncotelic Therapeutics, originally formed as OXiGENE, Inc. in 1988, has undergone several name changes and is focused on oncology drug development, particularly for rare pediatric cancers [7] - The company has a 45% stake in GMP Biotechnology Limited, which is involved in the development of therapies for various cancers, including Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) [7] - Oncotelic also acquired PointR Data Inc. to build an AI-driven biotechnology company, further expanding its capabilities in drug development [7]