New Clinical Data for Tesetaxel, a Leading Oral Taxane, Show Anticancer Activity and Acceptable Safety in Ongoing Study
01 Juni 2009 - 2:05PM
Business Wire
Genta Incorporated (OTCBB: GNTA.OB) announced preliminary
results from its ongoing clinical study of tesetaxel, a leading
oral taxane in the Company�s investigational drug portfolio. The
new data show a favorable safety profile with a low incidence of
serious adverse events, along with objective responses that have
been observed at less than the maximally tolerated dose (MTD). The
data are featured in a presentation today at the annual meeting of
the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Orlando,
FL.
The new clinical study has accrued 12 patients at doses ranging
from 18 to 24 mg/m2 administered once every 3 weeks. To date, only
one Grade 4 episode of neutropenia (the dose-limiting reaction for
all taxanes) has been observed. Three objective and ongoing
responses have been observed in the first 9 evaluable patients who
received at least 2 doses, including one patient each with
nasopharyngeal cancer (partial response), gastrointestinal stromal
tumor (GIST) (minor response), and uterine cancer (minor response).
Of note, all responses have occurred in older subjects (ages 83, 84
and 64, respectively) and at less than the previously established
MTD of 27 mg/m2.
The presentation also examined the feasibility of converting the
common practice of weight-based dosing (as in mg/m2 of body surface
area) to �flat dosing�. For oral drugs like tesetaxel, flat dosing
is far more accurate and convenient for patients and physicians.
Pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that a fixed dose of 50 mg would
be suitable for most Western patients.
�Prior Phase 2 studies have documented substantial antitumor
activity in patients with advanced gastric cancer and breast cancer
at the highest dose level of 27 mg/m2,� noted Dr. Raymond P.
Warrell, Jr., Genta�s Chief Executive Officer. �However, we were
very pleased to observe major responses using lower doses,
especially the response in nasopharyngeal cancer at 21 mg/m2.
Importantly, the incidence of neutropenia has been acceptably low
-- similar to other drugs in this class � and the tolerability in
older subjects has also been impressive. We believe tesetaxel may
offer patients major advantages compared with standard taxanes, and
we look forward to accelerating our development programs with this
new agent.�
About Tesetaxel
Tesetaxel is a novel, orally absorbed, semi-synthetic taxane
that is in the same class of drugs as paclitaxel and docetaxel.
However, both prototype agents suffer from serious safety issues,
particularly hypersensitivity reactions related to intravenous
infusions that are occasionally fatal and that require careful
premedication and observation. Other prominent side-effects of this
drug class include myelosuppression (low blood counts) and
peripheral neuropathy (disabling nerve damage).
With administration as an oral capsule, tesetaxel was developed
to maintain the high antitumor activity of the taxane drug class
while eliminating infusion reactions, reducing neuropathy, and
increasing patient convenience. The oral route also enables
development of novel schedules that may expand dosing options when
tesetaxel is used alone or in combination with other anticancer
drugs. Preclinically, tesetaxel has demonstrated substantially
higher activity against cell lines that were resistant to
paclitaxel and docetaxel, since acquired resistance is not mediated
by the multidrug-resistant p-glycoprotein.
Tesetaxel has demonstrated anticancer activity in several Phase
2 clinical trials. The drug has not been associated with severe
infusion reactions that are linked with other taxanes. Moreover,
unlike other oral taxanes, nerve damage has not been a prominent
side effect of tesetaxel. Thus, the drug offers substantial
opportunities to improve patient convenience, safety, and
anticancer activity. More than 260 patients worldwide have been
treated with oral tesetaxel in Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical
trials.
About Genta
Genta Incorporated is a biopharmaceutical company with a
diversified product portfolio that is focused on delivering
innovative products for the treatment of patients with cancer. Two
major programs anchor the Company�s research platform:
DNA/RNA-based Medicines and Small Molecules. Genasense� (oblimersen
sodium) Injection is the Company's lead compound from its DNA/RNA
Medicines program. The leading drug in Genta�s Small Molecule
program is Ganite� (gallium nitrate injection), which the Company
is exclusively marketing in the U.S. for treatment of symptomatic
patients with cancer related hypercalcemia that is resistant to
hydration. The Company has developed G4544, an oral formulation of
the active ingredient in Ganite, which has recently entered
clinical trials as a potential treatment for diseases associated
with accelerated bone loss. The Company is also developing
tesetaxel, a novel, orally absorbed, semi-synthetic taxane that is
in the same class of drugs as paclitaxel and docetaxel. Ganite and
Genasense are available on a �named-patient� basis in countries
outside the United States. For more information about Genta, please
visit our website at: www.genta.com.
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