ValiRx is targeting Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Advancing Women’s Health through Cytolytic Peptide

Dr. Mark Eccleston, CEO of ValiRx, recently spoke with Steve Darling from Proactive Investors about the company’s focus on women’s health and oncology, specifically their innovative work in tackling triple-negative breast cancer through the Cytolytix joint venture with King’s College London.

This aggressive form of breast cancer presents significant treatment challenges, and ValiRx aims to develop effective therapies to address this unmet medical need.

During the interview, Dr. Eccleston explained ValiRx’s unique business model, which involves scouting for promising scientific assets from universities and small pharmaceutical companies. The company prioritizes projects that not only exhibit strong scientific foundations but also possess commercial potential. This strategic approach allows ValiRx to evaluate multiple assets efficiently, ensuring that the most promising candidates can progress into clinical development.

“We want to have the biggest impact as quickly as we can, so we will develop a data package around the asset and then look to partner that to take it further,” – said Mark Eccleston.

A standout asset in their pipeline is Cytolytix, a cytolytic peptide designed to selectively target cancer cells by creating perforations in their membranes.

This mechanism is particularly noteworthy because it allows for direct destruction of cancer cells while also releasing antigens that can stimulate the immune system. This dual action positions Cytolytix as a candidate for combination therapies with other treatments, including immunotherapies, which could enhance overall effectiveness against cancer.

“Cytolytix is very interesting. It’s a cytolytic peptide that basically punches holes in the membranes of cancer cells, which gives it a high degree of selectivity,” – said Mark Eccleston.

Looking ahead to 2025, Dr. Eccleston outlined plans to advance Cytolytix through preclinical pathways while evaluating several active programs that could further enrich ValiRx’s pipeline. The recent capital raised will primarily support the development of Cytolytix and explore synergistic opportunities with small molecules and immuno-oncology partners. Additionally, he mentioned ongoing efforts related to legacy projects like VAL201 and VAL401, which are progressing toward potential licensing agreements.

“The other key thing for us is to try and get a conclusion to the deal with our legacy asset VAL201,” – said Mark Eccleston.

Dr. Eccleston highlights the importance of making strategic decisions regarding new evaluations and partnerships in the coming months. With a commitment to transforming women’s health through innovative therapies, ValiRx is poised for significant advancements in 2025, focusing on developing solutions that address critical gaps in cancer treatment. The company’s ongoing efforts reflect a dedication to improving patient outcomes and addressing the pressing challenges faced in oncology today.

“We’re trying to minimize the timeframe between bringing in an asset, evaluating it, and then hopefully taking it on to do a deal with that asset later on,” – said Mark Eccleston.

About Mark Eccleston

Mark Eccleston is a prominent polymer chemist and biotechnology entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in translational science, particularly in drug and biomarker development. He is the CEO of ValiRx, a life sciences company focused on cancer therapeutics and women’s health, and serves as the Managing Director of OncoLytika Ltd, a UK-based technology consultancy.

Mark holds a PhD in Polymer Chemistry from Aston University and an MBA in Entrepreneurship from the University of Dundee. He is an inventor on over 30 patents, covering technologies such as peptide therapies, CAR-T cell therapies, and biodegradable chewing gum. As a scientific founder of several companies, including Volition – a US-listed biomarker company that spun out from ValiRx – he has significantly advanced healthcare innovation.

In addition to his leadership roles, Mark has served as a scientific consultant and on the Commercial and Scientific Advisory Boards of ValiRx and Inaphaea. His current focus as CEO is to enhance ValiRx’s drug development strategy while fostering innovation and creating long-term shareholder value. Mark Eccleston’s expertise in polymer chemistry and entrepreneurship makes him a key figure in the biotechnology sector, dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovative science.

About Steve Darling

Steve Darling is an award-winning broadcaster and the Head of Broadcast at Proactive Investors, where he has established himself as a prominent figure in financial journalism. With over 20 years of experience, he has become one of the most recognizable faces in British Columbia, having previously reported and anchored for BCTV and Global Television. Notably, he co-hosted the number one morning news program in the province for 15 years.

In addition to his broadcasting career, Steve is deeply involved in charitable work, hosting around 50 events annually to support various causes. His commitment to community service complements his professional achievements and reflects his dedication beyond journalism. At Proactive Investors, Steve conducts interviews with CEOs and industry leaders, providing insights into company developments and market trends. His role involves engaging with companies across different sectors, showcasing their progress and strategic initiatives to investors. Through his work, Steve plays a vital role in bridging the gap between businesses and their stakeholders.

ValiRx Advances Women’s Health and Oncology Pipeline with Focus on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer