Panther Therapeutics reports early signs of tumor response for localized pancreatic implant; clinical trial cleared by FDA

Panther Therapeutics, a clinical‑stage company developing localized cancer treatments, told the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) oversight committee that its biodegradable, drug‑eluting peritumoral film produced antitumoral responses in an early study and that the company is preparing to begin a multi‑site U.S. trial.

The presentation by Dr. Laura Indolfi, co‑founder and chief executive officer of Panther Therapeutics, summarized two years of product development after the company relocated from Boston to Austin. The company’s lead product is a unidirectional, biodegradable film designed to be placed near pancreatic tumors via minimally invasive procedures and to elute chemotherapy directly toward the tumor while minimizing systemic exposure.

Why it matters: Pancreatic cancer has very low five‑year survival compared with other common cancers. Panther’s approach seeks to increase local drug exposure and reduce systemic toxicity by changing how the drug is delivered rather than changing the drug itself. If broadly effective and tolerable, the approach could change how some pancreatic tumors are treated and expand options for patients who are not immediate surgical candidates.

In her remarks, Indolfi said the device’s design keeps the drug…