(Alliance News) - PureTech Health PLC on Thursday said that its LYT-200 cancer treatment has received a significant endorsement from the US drugs regulator.

The London-based biotherapeutics company received 'fast track' designation from the US Food & Drug Administration for LYT-200 to treat head and neck cancers.

The FDA's 'fast track' designation expedites the development and review of new drugs which it believes address significant unmet medical needs.

LYT-200 is a monoclonal antibody designed to target galectin-9, a protein which drives the development of cancerous cells and solid tumours.

LYT-200 is currently being evaluated in two ongoing clinical trials, in which it has so far demonstrated a favourable safety profile and early signs of potential clinical activity.

Aleksandra Filipovic, head of oncology at PureTech, said: "By granting Fast Track designation to LYT-200 for head and neck cancers, the FDA continues to highlight areas of critical need within oncology as well as the potential for LYT-200...As galectin-9's role in suppressing immune-mediated activity has been well-validated, it represents an important area of clinical research, especially in aggressive cancers with increased mortality."

Shares in PureTech were down 0.1% at 217.25 pence each in London on Thursday.

By Hugh Cameron, Alliance News reporter

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