Antisense Drug Targeting c-myb Oncogene Starts Phase 1 Trial in Patients with Advanced Cancer
New Genta Pipeline Drug Targets Master Regulatory Gene for Cancer Cell Growth
Genta Incorporated announced initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial using an anticancer drug derived from the Company's DNA/RNA Medicines program. The new compound, known as G4460, uses antisense technology to target an oncogene known as c-myb that regulates key functions in cancer cells. Using an accelerated dosing schedule, this study will evaluate dosing regimens, safety, biologic activity, and down-regulation of c-myb in patients with advanced hematologic cancers. The clinical trial will be conducted using the General Clinical Research Center at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. G4460 has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the food and Drug Administration for treatment of patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML).
G4460 is part of Genta's DNA/RNA Medicines program. G4460 targets an oncogene product known as c-myb, which is a protein that directly binds to cellular DNA. C-myb is believed to regulate the expression of other genes that are involved in the growth and differentiation of cancer cells. Over-expression of c-myb blocks differentiation, promotes proliferation, and decreases apoptosis. Potential clinical targets for G4460 include CML, melanoma, neuroblastoma, and cancers of the breast, pancreas and colon. Genta has licensed key patents and technology related to the composition and human use of G4460.
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