Genta Incorporated has entered the first patient into a new clinical study that will evaluate the bioactivity and safety of the company's lead anticancer drug, Genasense Injection, administered by intermittent subcutaneous injection.
Subscribe to our email newsletter
The study employs a new formulation of Genasense that is five-fold more concentrated than material currently used in clinical trials. Having completed requisite animal toxicology work, the trial is proceeding pursuant to a separate investigational new drug application that was filed with the FDA.
Genasense inhibits production of Bcl-2, a protein made by cancer cells that is thought to block chemotherapy-induced cell death. By reducing the amount of Bcl-2 in cancer cells, Genasense may enhance the effectiveness of current anticancer treatment.
A prolonged subcutaneous infusion method using the existing intravenous formulation of the drug has been studied in patients with advanced non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In this study the drug showed anti-tumor activity as a single agent and documented down-regulation of Bcl-2.
The new program seeks to extend these initial observations in a formal dose-ranging trial using the new, highly concentrated formulation.
“Genasense has demonstrated synergy with various treatments, such as Tarceva, interferon and radiation, all of which require multi-day schedules,” commented Dr Raymond Warrell, Genta’s chairman and CEO. “The new method may substantially increase patient convenience and expand the utility of Genasense, particularly in front-line and adjuvant settings.”