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Source: Canoe

By The Canadian Press

TORONTO - Arius Research Inc. (TSX:ARI) said Tuesday that the lead drug candidate from its CD44 cancer stem cell program has completed its first toxicology study and shows "good efficacy" in animal models.

The antibody program is designed to target cancer stem cells, in particular an epitope of glycoprotein CD44 that has been found in breast, colon and prostate cancers among others.

"To be effective against cancer, a treatment must eliminate the cancer stems cells that at the heart of the disease that are driving tumour growth and seeding new tumours," president and CEO David Young said in a statement.

"Our CD44 targeting antibody is one of the most advanced drug candidates to target cancer stem cells."

Shares in the company rose 14 cents, more than 23 per cent, to 74 cents in midday trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange.