VION Announces Initiation of a Phase II Trial Of CLORETAZINE (VNP40101M) In Patients With Primary Brain Tumors
June 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced today that a Phase II trial of its anticancer agent CLORETAZINE(TM) (VNP40101M) has been initiated at the Brain Tumor Center of the Duke University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Durham, North Carolina. The study will assess the activity and toxicity of CLORETAZINE(TM) (VNP40101M) in adult patients with recurrent gliomas (gliomas are cancers that originate in the brain).
Dr. Mario Sznol, Vice President, Clinical Affairs, stated, "Current treatment for glioma, which is often a devastating disease, is inadequate, and we are hopeful that CLORETAZINE(TM) (VNP40101M) can have meaningful effects in these patients. In preclinical studies, CLORETAZINE(TM) (VNP40101M) was shown to distribute well into the brain, and also demonstrated potential advantages over several other alkylating agents, which are the current standard of treatment for most gliomas. We are fortunate to have developed a preclinical and clinical collaboration with one of the leading centers for research and treatment of brain tumors, Duke University, to advance the studies of our agent."
CLORETAZINE(TM) (VNP40101M) is a novel DNA-damaging alkylating agent with broad spectrum anti-tumor activity in preclinical studies. Two Phase I trials in solid tumors, which have completed accrual, have investigated the safety profile, maximum tolerated dose and schedule for Phase II trials, as well as the pharmacokinetic parameters (blood levels) of the agent. Vion plans additional Phase II trials in other solid tumors, and has an ongoing clinical development program in hematologic malignancies.
Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is developing novel agents for the treatment of cancer. Vion has two agents in Phase II clinical trials: Triapine(R), a potent inhibitor of a key step in DNA synthesis and CLORETAZINE(TM) (VNP40101M), a unique sulfonylhydrazine alkylating agent. Vion is also developing and has an option to license several heterocyclic hydrazones which have demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity in preclinical studies. Additional agents in preclinical studies include: KS119, a hypoxia-selective compound from the sulfonylhydrazine class and TAPET(R), a modified Salmonella vector used to deliver anticancer agents directly to tumors. For additional information on Vion and its product development programs, visit the Company's Internet web site at vionpharm.com . |
