MGI Pharma Says Study Shows Irofulven Effective
DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
MINNEAPOLIS -- MGI Pharma Inc. (MOGN) said preclinical and clinical studies show effective anti-tumor activity of irofulven in combination with cancer therapies.
In a press release Wednesday, the company said it plans to develop irofulven for use with a variety of cancers, as well as further combination trials with other therapies.
Irofulven is MGI's anti-cancer compound that displays anti-tumor activity and retains cytotoxic activity, or cell death, in tumors with different types of drug resistance mechanisms.
According to MGI, irofulven has displayed activity as a single agent in clinical trials, and several preclinical studies have demonstrated enhanced anti-tumor activity in various cell lines and xenografts when irofulven has been used in combination with other anti-cancer agents.
MGI is currently conducting a Phase III trial of irofulven in advanced-stage, gemcitabine-refractory pancreatic cancer patients, for which it received fast track designation from the Food and Drug Administration.
Irofulven is also being studied for use in combination with Camptosar, Gemzar, Taxotere, and cisplatin. Side effects from irofulven are similar to marketed chemotherapies and include bone marrow suppression, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and visual disturbances. |
