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HonorHealth Research Institute conducts 1st in-human clinical trial for anti-cancer drug

HonorHealth building in phoenix
Sky Schaudt/KJZZ

The HonorHealth Research Institute says it used a new immunotherapy to respond to a patient’s solid tumors. According to the institute, the first-in-human clinical trial of the drug took place.

Trutino Biosciences developed the anti-cancer drug which is associated with cytokines, or proteins that help in regulating the immune system.

Justin Moser is an associate clinical investigator at the institute.

“They developed this in their laboratory, and we've worked with them to help get the clinical trial up, and we're fortunate enough to be one of the sites they selected to help study this drug and test it for the first time in human patients," he said.

The patient came to receive the treatment following the ineffectiveness of other standard treatment options.

“And for those patients who have been treated with all the available treatments, clinical trials offer them a way to get new, novel therapies that have the potential to treat their cancer when they're out of other options," Moser said.

Moser says the goal is to provide benefits for patients without many side effects.

Another clinical trial will take place if there is success in demonstrating the drug’s safety and effectiveness.

Ignacio Ventura is a reporter for KJZZ. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and a minor in news media and society.