Access' Novel Anti-Cancer Compound Presented at Chemotherapy Meeting
Compound Designed to Increase Potency and Reduce Side Effects
DALLAS, April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: AXCS) ("Access") today announced that the Company recently presented a paper on its Polymer Platinate at the 8th International Symposium on Platinum and Other Metal Coordination Compounds in Cancer Chemotherapy. The Company's Polymer Platinate was designed to selectively accumulate and release drug in the tumor while at the same time reducing the side effects of platinum.
Platinum compounds are one of the leading classes of chemotherapeutic compounds in the world with an estimated $800 million in annual sales. Platinum-containing drugs are effective in treating many types of cancer including ovarian, lung, head and neck tumors, however, only a small fraction of the drug reaches the tumor and the dose is limited by toxicity to normal tissues. In model systems, the design features of the Company's Polymer Platinate significantly increases the delivery of a platinum-containing cancer drug to the tumor while at the same time allowing higher doses to be given resulting in significant inhibition of tumor growth.
The paper, which was presented by Dr. Donald Stewart, was focused on the optimization of the synthesis and purification of the Polymer Platinate that the Company is currently advancing toward clinical development. This work represents a breakthrough in the synthesis and characterization of platinates attached to polymers. Numerous groups have attempted to develop a polymer delivery approach with platinum compounds, however, there has been little progress due to past problems with synthesis and analysis of these compounds.
Access is working in conjunction with NDDO Oncology to advance this compound to Phase I clinical testing in Europe, which is planned to commence within 12 months. NDDO Oncology, a leading organization that has conducted cancer trials in Europe for both large and small companies, offers a wide range of scientific expertise; their network of prominent researchers and clinical oncologists enables compounds to be rapidly advanced through the development process.
Commenting on the Polymer Platinate program, Kerry P. Gray, President & CEO stated, "The success that Access has attained in the manufacturing and analysis of Polymer Platinate, which was the basis for this presentation, is a major milestone in the field of platinum drug development. This enables the Company to complete the scale-up of the process for producing clinical trial materials and to aggressively advance the compound towards clinical development."
The Company has recently engaged Dr. Stephen B. Howell, M.D. as a consultant to assist with the development of the Polymer Platinate program. Dr. Howell is an internationally recognized opinion leader in the field of platinum therapy with experience in the research development and regulatory approval process of oncology agents. DepoCyt, which was invented in Dr. Howell's laboratory and subsequently developed, with his participation, by DepoTech Inc., recently received FDA approval. Mr. Gray continued, "Dr. Howell is providing invaluable assistance with the development of the Polymer Platinate. His extensive clinical experience will be a major asset as the program enters clinical development." Dr. Howell is a member of the Company's Board of Directors. |
