Tekmira Pharma begins patient dosing in Phase 1 TKM-PLK1 trial

TKM-PLK1 targets polo-like kinase 1, or PLK1, a cell cycle protein involved in tumor cell proliferation and a validated oncology target.

TKM-PLK1 has been shown in preclinical animal studies to selectively kill cancer cells, while sparing normal cells in healthy tissue.

The trial will recruit up to 52 patients with advanced solid tumors. Secondary objectives of the trial will be to measure tumor response as well as the pharmacodynamic effects of TKM-PLK1 in patients providing biopsies.

Tekmira Pharma president and CEO Mark Murray said TKM-PLK1 has demonstrated anti-tumor efficacy in preclinical models of liver cancer as well as tumors outside the liver, supporting our strong belief that PLK1 represents an excellent target for RNAi.

"We are excited to move forward and expect to be in a position to report interim data from the Phase 1 trial in the second half of 2011," Murray said.