Nexrutine® Inhibits Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation

SAN ANTONIONexrutine®, a proprietary extract from the bark of Phellodendron amurense, killed a high percentage of cultured prostate cancer cells in a study done at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Department of Urology. The results, published in Neoplasia (8:523-533, 2006) indicate that Nexrutine, from Next Pharmaceuticals, kills PCA cells by inducing aptosis while also inhibiting cancer cell growth and altering some key molecules such as Akt kinase and the transcription factor CREB associated with these processes. According to the study, PCA has a long latency period that allows for intervention strategies including the use of phytochemicals to delay progression of, or prevent the development of, clinically significant disease.

Bob Garrison, chief executive officer (CEO) and president of Next Pharmaceuticals (www.nextpharmaceuticals.com), said the company is setting up clinical trials to further test the extracts efficacy.