Technology

Focus and Approach

Proacta is working to develop small-molecule prodrugs that become active in the presence of tumor hypoxia.

Tumors have a poorly formed and inefficient blood vessel network. As a result, many solid tumors receive less blood then they need and as a result develop areas with low levels of oxygen, otherwise known as hypoxia. Hypoxic tumor cells are often more resistant to cancer treatments and are more likely to become invasive and spread to other parts of the body. Hypoxic tumor cells may be a source for tumor regrowth that is often seen following the use of conventional cancer treatments.

By targeting and killing hypoxic tumor cells, we hope to dramatically improve the outcome of patients with cancer. Our compounds are designed to be activated and converted to active cancer drugs in areas of tumors that are hypoxic.

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