Astex Announces Interim Phase I/II AML Data

Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. recently announced that interim Phase I/II clinical data from subcutaneous SGI-110, a novel hypomethylating agent, demonstrated differentiated PK profile, good tolerability, and preliminary promising complete responses in heavily pretreated acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) patients enrolled in the Phase I segment of the trial. The data was presented at an oral session at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2012 Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL, and was featured in a joint AACR-Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) media forum. SU2C has provided funding for the Epigenetics Dream Team that is collaborating on the scientific evaluation of SGI-110.

The randomized Phase I/II first-in-human dose escalation study enrolled 66 patients with previously treated intermediate or high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) or AML as of March 28, 2012. Of seven evaluable refractory AML patients who had adequate hypomethylation with no prior resistance to hypomethylating agents (HMAs), two showed complete response, and one showed partial response. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic (PK) data suggests delivery of decitabine by SGI-110 achieves high decitabine exposure and longer half-life than decitabine intravenous (IV) infusion. The pharmacodynamic (PD) data shows potent dose-dependent hypomethylation induction in the daily regimen.

“This interim SGI-110 data is very encouraging for refractory AML patients,” said Jean-Pierre Issa, MD, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology at Temple University. “With the optimal biologically effective dose reached, this provides a firm basis to begin the dose expansion segment of the trial for treatment of elderly AML and previously untreated MDS.”

“This is a great example of collaboration between SU2C and industry,” said Stephen B. Baylin, MD, Professor of Oncology and Medicine, Deputy Director of the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins; Co-Leader of the Epigenetics Dream Team of SU2C. “The trial used a biologically driven design where dose escalation was based on biological efficacy of the drug and not just toxicities as is often the case with cancer drugs. Achieving clinical efficacy at the biologically effective doses is a validation of this innovative design.”

Astex Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to the discovery and development of novel small molecule therapeutics with a focus on oncology. The company is developing a proprietary pipeline of novel therapies and is creating de-risked products for partnership with leading pharmaceutical companies. Astex Pharmaceuticals developed Dacogen (decitabine) for injection and receives significant royalties on global sales. For more information, visit www.astx.com.