SuperGen's MP-470 Demonstrates Clinical Benefit In Lung Cancer Patients

Main Category: Lung Cancer
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 06 May 2009 - 0:00 PDT

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SuperGen Inc., (NASDAQ: SUPG), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of novel cancer therapies, today announced that Phase Ib data for MP-470, its multi-targeted, tyrosine kinase inhibitor and RAD51 suppressor, demonstrated an overall clinical benefit rate of 54 percent when the drug is given in combination with standard of care (SOC) anti-cancer therapies in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). The data was presented at a poster session on Saturday at the European Multidisciplinary Conference in Thoracic Oncology (EMCTO) in Lugano, Switzerland.

The Phase Ib dose escalation study enrolled thirteen poor prognosis patients: nine with NSCLC and four with SCLC as of August 31, 2008. Of eleven evaluable patients, only one showed progressive disease, five showed stable disease, and five showed partial response. MP-470 did not alter the pharmacokinetics of SOC agents.

"We continue to be very encouraged by the clinical data resulting from our MP-470 trials. A 54 percent overall clinical benefit rate is a positive step forward for these poor prognosis patients for whom current therapies have limited effectiveness," said Gavin Choy, PharmD, SuperGen's Vice President, Clinical Operations. "These results support the pursuit of Phase II clinical trials in lung cancer once we have determined the optimal dose."

About the Study

The primary objectives were to estimate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in combination with SOC regimens, as well as define safety profiles of specific MP-470 combinations. Secondary objectives included estimating the therapeutic response rate (RECIST), and defining the effect of MP-470 on the PK profile of SOC. MP-470 doses were started at 100 mg orally once per day, increasing to twice daily dosing based on the modified Fibonacci sequence. The MTDs have not been reached and no dose limiting toxicities have been identified.

A copy of the 2009 EMCTO Meeting poster presentation is available in the pipeline section of SuperGen's website, http://www.supergen.com.

Source
SuperGen