Marc,
Thanks, that's a very nicely written report by Ms. Grisewood. Gives all the things to watch for. Also points to a competitor I was unaware of: Pro-Pharmaceuticals:
>>NEWTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2004--Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Amex: PRW - News), a developer of novel cancer therapeutics to target cancer cells through carbohydrate chemistry, today announced the initiation of a Phase II clinical study of its lead carbohydrate compound DAVANAT® with 5-Fluorourcil (5-FU) in refractory colorectal cancer patients. This trial is part of a multi-center, open-label, single dose level study in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer that have failed standard surgical, radiation and chemotherapeutic regimens. The study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous DAVANAT® in combination with 5-FU when administered in monthly cycles as third-line therapy for metastatic colorectal cancer. Concurrent with the Phase II clinical study, the Company continues to enroll patients in its Phase I trial.
Pro-Pharmaceuticals is conducting Phase I human clinical trials of its DAVANAT® compound in combination with 5-FU. Cancer centers participating in the Phase I human trials are the Norris Cotton Cancer Center at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH, The Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI, the Ochsner Cancer Institute in New Orleans, LA, and Florida Oncology Associates in Jacksonville, FL.
DAVANAT® was shown in pre-clinical studies to improve 5-FU's effectiveness, while reducing its toxicity. The Company's carbohydrate technology targets sugar-specific binding sites (lectins) found on cancer cells with the goal of improving efficacy and reducing toxicity of proven, commonly used chemotherapy drugs. The Company believes its technology can increase the body's tolerance to toxic chemotherapy drugs by targeting the delivery to tumor-bearing cells.
About Colorectal Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that there will be approximately 150,000 new cases of colorectal cancer this year causing more than 50,000 deaths. These cases occur in both men and women and are most often found among people over the age of 50. The three main types of treatment for colorectal cancer are surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc. -- Advancing Drugs Through Glycoscience(TM)
Pro-Pharmaceuticals is a drug development company commercializing a new generation of anti-cancer treatments using carbohydrate molecules to upgrade the safety and efficacy of anti-cancer agents. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Newton, MA, the Company is a leader in the use of structure-based drug design; an approach to drug discovery that integrates advanced biology and chemistry. Additional information is available at www.pro-pharmaceuticals.com.
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At first blush, this compound doesn't seem to be efficacious as monotherapy. It will be interesting to see what doses of 5-FU PRW can get down to, and what the resulting side effect profile is. Definitely worth keeping an eye on these trials and these folks, Platt's new company.
Cheers, Tuck |
