ALFACELL (ACEL) Alfacell develops novel ribonucleases (RNases), a family of proteins isolated from the leopard frog (Rana pipiens). The new classes of RNase-derived therapeutics are being developed for cancer and viral infection.

Alfacell's drug discovery technology enabled the development of recombinant RNases for chemical conjugation and fusion (gene and protein) products with monoclonal antibodies and cytokines including growth factors. It can atttract partners for design and development – those that seek line-extensions and/or improvements of the therapeutic effectiveness of their existing products.

The reproducibility of the firm’s conjugation and fusion methodologies and the stability of these products enable for cost-effectiveness.

Products: The firm has four investigational products for cancers in various clinical and preclinical trials and an antiviral product in research. The lead product is Onconase® for mesothelioma. Onconase® (ranpirnase) is the first RNase protein fully chemically characterized by the Alfacell research and development team. It is the first RNase to reach late-stage clinical development. The drug is being evaluated in a confirmatory, international Phase 3b trial for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma, a cancer which usually affects the pleura of the lung. Most cases are attributed to asbestos exposure. It is in Phase 3 trials in combination with doxorubicin vs doxorubicin alone for the same cancer and in Phase 1 trial for non-small-cell-lung cancer (NSCLC).