PharmaQest

PharmaQest is an Australian biotechnology company that specialized in developing topical formulations for the chemoprevention of skin cancer. A spin-out from the University of South Australia (UniSA), the company was founded by Professors Ross McKinnon and Allan Evans to commercialize research into non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for oncology applications. Its lead candidate, a topical formulation of R-flurbiprofen, was designed to prevent the development of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) by targeting the cyclooxygenase (COX) and NF-kappaB pathways. The program reached Phase IIa clinical trials, where it was evaluated for safety and efficacy in high-risk patients. Although the company's formal operations ceased around 2015, its innovative approach to topical chemoprevention remains a notable contribution to the field of dermatology and cancer prevention.