2024-09-10
Torben Mogensen, one of the co-inventors behind OncoZenge's drug candidate, BupiZenge™, shares insights into his background in anesthesiology and explains how the idea for BupiZenge™ was conceived. Additionally, Mogensen discusses the medical need for patients suffering from oral mucositis and shares his hopes for the future of BupiZenge™.
Torben Mogensen, you are one of the inventors behind BupiZenge. Can you tell us a little about your background?
I am an anesthesiologist with a background in both clinical practice and research. I have previously served as the chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology, and at the time of developing BupiZenge, I was the Medical Director of the Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen. Throughout my career, I have focused extensively on researching local anesthetics, particularly their use in pain management after surgery and ensuring patient safety during procedures.
What’s the story behind the creation of this drug candidate?
The story of BupiZenge began in a rather unconventional setting, my kitchen. It all started when three pharmacy students, one of whom is my daughter, was given a bachelor project focused on creating a lozenge using lidocaine, a local anesthetic. The primary challenge was overcoming the notoriously bad taste associated with local anesthetics. To our delight, the project was a success; the students managed to develop a lozenge that not only masked the unpleasant taste but also provided effective pain relief.
My daughter and I, as an anesthesiologist, saw the potential of such a product, especially for patients who require awake intubation in the airway. The first clinical trials with this lidocaine lozenge were very successful, which inspired us to consider its application for mucositis, a painful condition common in cancer patients undergoing treatment. However, for mucositis, we needed a drug with a longer duration of action than lidocaine, and this led us to consider bupivacaine.
Did you consider alternatives? What made you decide on the current specification of the product?
Yes, we considered various local anesthetics as alternatives. After thorough consideration, we decided on bupivacaine due to its better chemical properties, particularly its longer duration of action compared to lidocaine. This makes it more suitable for treating conditions like mucositis, where sustained pain relief is crucial.
What feedback have you received from the medical community regarding BupiZenge, and how has it influenced further development?
We have received great interest from oncologists, who are acutely aware of the need for effective treatments for mucositis, a condition that causes significant discomfort for many of their patients. Their positive reception encouraged us to continue developing the product to better meet their needs. Even with these benefits for patient care, there is an ongoing need for further education and awareness regarding the potential uses of BupiZenge.
You are known for your active support of innovation and teaching in both Denmark and China. How do these experiences influence your work, and what differences or similarities have you observed in the innovation ecosystems of these two countries?
My experience in promoting innovation and teaching has greatly influenced my approach to research and development. In Denmark, and similarly in Sweden where I mentor startup companies, I have observed that it is often challenging to implement good solutions in clinical practice. There are systemic barriers that make it difficult for innovative products and ideas to gain traction. I see similar challenges in both countries, although the specific contexts differ. In China, we are just beginning to establish research collaborations. However, I have experience from earlier innovations in China and from what I have observed is some positive changes in the policy and ecosystem that have been learned from Denmark, which makes me very proud.
What’s your wish for the onward journey of BupiZenge and OncoZenge?
My hope for the future of BupiZenge and OncoZenge is that they continue to advance and evolve in ways that can significantly impact patient care, particularly for those suffering from mucositis. Mucositis is a debilitating condition that affects many cancer patients undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. It causes severe pain, difficulty eating, and increases the risk of infection, all of which can lead to further complications and impact a patient’s overall quality of life and outcome.
For many patients, the current treatment options are limited and often inadequate, leading to a significant gap in care. This is where BupiZenge and OncoZenge have the potential to make a real difference. I envision these products being widely recognized and adopted as a 1st line of treatment in the standard part of care protocols in oncology departments around the world. My wish is for BupiZenge to become an essential tool in the management of mucositis, providing effective and long-lasting pain relief, thereby alleviating a significant source of suffering for patients.
Ultimately, my greatest wish is that BupiZenge and OncoZenge will not only bring relief to those suffering today but will also pave the way for future innovations that can improve patient care in new and unexpected ways. The journey ahead is filled with opportunities challenges, and with great potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients worldwide. One opportunity lies in expanding the geographic reach of these products, increasing awareness and adoption in regions where mucositis is underdiagnosed or poorly managed. Moreover, deepening collaboration with the oncology community could lead to new applications of BupiZenge in cancer care, potentially exploring additional indications or combination therapies.
We thank Torben Mogensen for the interview and wish him all the best.
Disclaimer:
This is an interview that has been done on behalf of the company. Impala Nordic or people behind Impala Nordic owns no shares in the company at the time of the interview. // Detta är en intervju som har gjorts på uppdrag av bolaget. Impala Nordic eller personer bakom Impala Nordic äger inga aktier i bolaget vid upprättandet av intervjun.