Dr Hossein A Ghanbari

DOHA • Qatar may soon get a state-of-the-art Breast Cancer Research Institute. The US pharmaceutical major Panacea has evinced keen interest in setting up its Center at Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP).

The lead products of the Institute will be meant for breast cancer and prostate cancer. The Institute will also have its focus on Early Cancer Detection. If everything goes well, the start-up works will begin at QSTP from early next year, sources told The Peninsula.

The Panacea's CEO Dr. Hossein A. Ghanbari has held initial rounds of discussions with Dr Tidu Minu, the science and technology advisor to HH Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned; and QSTP's Managing Director Dr Eulian Roberts, sources added.

Confirming the report, Dr Ghanbari told this paper over phone from Washington DC, that he has already submitted a proposal before the QSTP and promised an initial $5mn investment.

Dr. Ghanbari who said that the major focus of the centre would be on breast cancer and prostate cancer, pointed out that latst studies have revealed that the malignity ratio of these deadly diseases have been found alarmingly high in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region.

"We are all set to establish cancer diagnostic laboratories in Paris, Japan and in the Middle East. In Qatar, the Center's focus will be on Vaccine Therapy Laboratory for breast cancer and prostate cancer", he said.

"Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women accounting for 26 per cent of female cancers. Its prevalence is very high in the MENA region. Vaccine therapy for breast cancer survivors is going to have a significant effect in the long term survival rate.

Panacea announced its newly developed serum-based breast cancer diagnostic test in October 2007. This is the first serum-based biomarker available to detect either primary disease or recurrence of breast cancer, he said.

On prostrate cancer, Dr Ghanbari said, this type of cancer is currently most common in men and the second leading cause of male cancer deaths, at least in the US. "For prostate cancer patients, treatment options are very limited. These patients are excellent candidates for vaccine therapy. This therapy can significantly improve the poor survival rate of lung cancer".

Prostate cancer is highly prevalent among the 50-plus men. It has a remarkably good 5 year survival rate; hence well-suited for vaccine therapy, he added.

Panacea Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a private biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics and diagnostic for diseases with substantial, unmet clinical needs. The company's product development strategy is based on novel therapeutic agents and approaches for cancer treatments, as well as acute and chronic neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Panacea has an extensive patent portfolio covering its neurodegenerative and oncology technologies.

Last week, Time magazine has named Panacea's newly developed lung cancer diagnostic test-LC Detect (sm)-- as one of the 'Ten Biggest Medical Breakthroughs of 2007'.