Antigenics begins cancer trial with Aroplatin

Aroplatin is a liposomal formulation of a proprietary platinum chemotherapeutic. The dose-ranging study will evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of Aroplatin, which has been reformulated to enhance the drug’s activation and stability.

The primary objectives of the study are to establish the maximum tolerated dose for Aroplatin, as well as determining the product’s pharmacokinetics and overall safety profile. The protocol is designed to enroll about 16 to 28 patients with advanced solid malignancies or B-cell lymphoma. Based on safety assessment and data indicative of preliminary clinical activity, Antigenics expects to implement a clinical development plan to further investigate the use of Aroplatin in multiple cancers.

Aroplatin is a novel, third-generation liposome-encapsulated platinum compound developed for the treatment of cancer. It is designed to reduce certain types of toxicities typically associated with other platinum agents as well as to overcome drug resistance.

Renu Gupta, senior vice president of development for Antigenics said, “In addition to improving convenience of use, the reformulation of Aroplatin is designed to potentially lead to an increase in its efficacy.”