Another view on this weeks presentation by Agouron from BancAmerica Robertson Stephens (12/10/97):
"2. AG3340Has excellent oral absorption, Phase II/Pivotal Trial to Begin in Q1:98. In what would be a unique twice-a-day (or even once -a-day) pill, AG3340 has been tested in several preclinical cancer models and five doses (5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 milligrams per day) in patients with various solid tumors. As a slective MMP inhibitor, AG3340 appears more potent as a tumorstatic (i.e. stops tumors from growing) agent than British Biotech's (BBIoy $17-1/2) Marimastat. Exposures equivalent to those effective in preclinical models are easily achieved in humans in very low concentrations/doses. In addition, exposure levels being explored cover the spectrum of cancers. In addition to the doses mentioned above, the company is adding cohorts of drug at the 1 and 2 milligram levels, further supporting the drug's potency. Phase II randomized, controlled and blinded studies in combination with other chemotherapy agents will begin in Q1:98, in small cell lung cancer and hormone refractory prostrate cancer, that could turn into pivotal trials. Other disease potential include giloma, breast and colon cancer." |
