Shares in Sydney biotech Novogen jumped 16.7 percent today on news that its majority-owned US subsidiary Marshall Edwards had reported positive data from it anti-cancer therapeutic, NV-128.

The data comes from a study being conducted at Yale University which demonstrates NV-128′s ability to inhibit the growth (mitochondrial) mechanism of chemo-resistant ovarian cancer cells.

Novogen describes NV-128 as different to other anti-cancer therapies which tend to attack the caspase pathway, which is the survival signalling mechanism of Cancer cells.

It is part of Marshall Edwards’ isoflavone technology platform, which was shown by this latest study to promote a state of cellular starvation.

In addition, Novogen said that this therapy has been shown to be effective in attacking several different sorts of cancer, and would be the subject of clinical trials taking place next year, along with NV-344 which the company describes as a “more powerful next generation compound”.

Isoflavones are a class of organic compounds similar in chemical structure to oestrogen, and which have been shown to have wide range of health applications including protection against breast cancer, prostate cancer, menopausal symptoms, heart disease and osteoporosis.

In September Novogen licenced to Marshall Edwards the rights to its entire portfolio of isoflavones. It also licenses to Marshall Edwards its drug candidates triphendiol, NV-143, and phenoxodiol.

The isoflavone compound announced today, NV-128 is an analogue of triphendiol (triphendiol) and phenoxodiol (NV-06).

Back in June Novogen’s shares took a beating following disappointing Phase II trial results for phenoxodiol on late-stage ovarian cancer patients.

They closed today up 16.7 percent to $0.14.