ABOUT US
The ZQ lab is led by Professor Qi Zeng, Research Director at the Institute of Molecular Cell Biology (IMCB), A*STAR. Our team pioneered the use of monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy to target the intracellular phosphatase PRL3, which was discovered in 1998 by Prof Zeng.
PRL3 was first linked to cancer metastasis by the Vogelstein Lab in 2001. Since then, research has firmly established PRL3 as a key oncoprotein that has pleiotropic effects, regulating many cancer-related signaling pathways and promoting several hallmarks of cancer.
OUR DRUG
PRL3-zumab, our first Flagship drug, provides a totally new paradigm for immunotherapy to treat not only cancers, but also other human diseases associated with PRL3 overexpression. Intra-immuSG (IISG), an A*STAR spun-off biotech, has a rich pioneering platform with a strong clinical pipeline of humanized antibody drugs / vaccinations to meet urgent unmet medical needs and to offer new hope for hard-to-treat patients across the world.
From 2017-2018, PRL3-zumab completed Phase 1A and 1B Clinical Trials at the National University Hospital Singapore (NUHS). The study revealed the drug’s strong safety profile and early efficacy.
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PRL3 research from lab to clinic
Highlights on the Video of IMCB 40 years anniversary,
Associate Professor Su Xinyi emphasizes that for research to impact healthcare, it must transition from the lab to the clinic, often through commercial partnerships.
Mr. Boon Swan Foo discusses his role in helping A*STAR with the commercialization of technology, bridging the gap between innovation and market readiness. A major project featured is PRL3-zumab, a first-in-class humanized antibody designed for cancer immunotherapy.
Professor Zeng Qi explains that PRL3-zumab targets intracellular oncoproteins, potentially reducing the nonspecific side effects commonly associated with chemotherapy.
The experts underscore that the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) provides the strong foundational research necessary for these translational breakthroughs.
Full video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrTmjXe04mQ&t=793s
GET IN TOUCH
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