Spectrum Pharmaceuticals files INDA for cancer drug

Spectrum says the drug, SPI-1620, is a highly selective endothelin-B agonist that has demonstrated in experimental models a transient and selective increase in blood flow to tumors by over 300% and consequent increase in delivery of anticancer drugs to the tumor while essentially sparing normal tissues and organs, thereby increasing the efficacy and the therapeutic index of these drugs.

“SPI-1620 has shown preclinical evidence of selectively targeting tumors to increase the uptake of doxorubicin and other anticancer agents such as Taxol,” said Luigi Lenaz, chief scientific officer of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals.

“If proven successful in clinical trials, we believe SPI-1620 could have a broad range of applications as an adjunct to chemotherapy in the treatment of solid tumors. We anticipate starting our Phase I trial as soon as we receive clearance from the FDA.”