On the occasion of World Cancer Research Day, PharmaMar (MSE: PHM), a world leader in the research, development and marketing of oncological drugs of marine origin, reaffirms its commitment to R&D, with the aim of improving life of patients affected by this disease.

Cancer research is the company's central axis; since its founding in 1986 it has invested one billion euros in R&D. A bet that continues to increase, since in 2022 investment in oncology research increased by 23.29%, reaching 48 million euros. In addition, PharmaMar has one of the highest investment ratios per employee in Europe [1] , with EUR172,000/per employee per year, according to 2022 data.

As a result of this commitment to R&D in oncology, PharmaMar has achieved a success rate of 37% in its research, compared to the 10% average in the pharmaceutical sector [2]. Of the 8 compounds developed in clinical trials, the company has obtained approval of 3 drugs by different drug agencies, for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma, ovarian cancer, multiple myeloma and small cell lung cancer.

In the words of Luis Mora, general director of PharmaMar's Oncology, Virology and Genetic Identity Units: 'Almost half of the income obtained throughout the year is reinvested in research, which places us as one of the Spanish companies that We invest more in R&D in relation to its sales. Our goal is to be able to offer patients with unmet medical needs a therapeutic alternative. And we can only make this milestone a reality through a firm commitment to research.'

Currently, PharmaMar participates in the area of oncology with 13 clinical trials in different phases and states, with different molecules and for various types of cancer. Among which stands out the 'LAGOON' phase III confirmatory trial for small cell lung cancer.

The PharmaMar research process: from the sea to patients

PharmaMar's oncology research process begins at sea with marine expeditions. Samples of marine invertebrates are collected around the world, and as a result, PharmaMar has the largest collection of samples of marine organisms with more than 350,000 samples. After the shipments, the collected samples are analyzed and checked to see if they have antitumor activity. If so, it is about obtaining chemical synthesis, to reproduce the molecule and be able to continue the research.

Once the chemical synthesis is obtained, preclinical studies begin in which the activity of the compound against various tumors and its safety profile are studied. After which, if the results are positive, the clinical trial phase begins to establish its safety, the appropriate dose and its effectiveness. Finally, these data from clinical trials are presented to the different regulatory agencies to approve the product so that it reaches patients.

Contact:

Tel: +34 91 846 6000

Fax: 91 846 6001

Email: pharmamar@pharmamar.com

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