XNVA,MLNM,
Xenova Group plc Anti-Cancer Compound XR11576 Enters Clinical Trials
PR NEWSWIRE - February 05, 2002 02:00
SLOUGH, England, Feb 5, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Xenova Group plc (Nasdaq: XNVA; London Stock Exchange: XEN) today announced that patient dosing has begun at the University Hospital of Rotterdam, Rotterdam Cancer Institute with XR11576 (MLN576), a novel anti-cancer agent.
This open label, Phase I trial is being carried out at centres in the UK and the Netherlands and comprises multiple ascending oral doses in patients with solid tumors. Patients will be monitored for safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and anti-tumor activity.
XR11576 (MLN576) is one of a program of compounds for the treatment of solid tumors. Along with compounds XR5944 (MLN944) and XR11612 (MLN612), XR11576 (MLN576) is the subject of a license agreement with Millennium Pharmaceuticals Inc, which was announced in December 2001 for the development and exclusive North American commercialization rights to this program. The compounds are believed to be novel DNA targeting agents that affect the DNA replication process through a mechanism of action which involves the dual inhibition of topoisomerases I and II. Xenova retains responsibility for performing development activities associated with the program, which will be funded by Millennium commencing in 2003, to the end of Phase II clinical trials.
David Oxlade, Xenova's Chief Executive, said: "XR11576 has shown considerable promise in preclinical studies including good oral bioavailability. These compounds have a novel and exciting mechanism of action and have shown considerable evidence of activity in in vivo xenograft models. There remains a clear need in the marketplace for new cytotoxics in order to improve the quality of treatment and outcomes for a large number of cancer patients." |
