The patent encompasses novel compositions including Lenocta for the treatment of cancer and a broad range of other diseases.
VioQuest Pharmaceuticals licensed rights to Lenocta (sodium stibogluconate) from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and is developing the drug as a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor for a range of potential indications. Lenocta is in a Phase IIa clinical trial as a potential treatment for melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and other solid tumors.
VioQuest Pharmaceuticals is planning to utilize historical published data and an observational study of approximately 400 US Army patients to support a new drug application (NDA) for Lenocta.
The approval of this NDA could position VioQuest Pharmaceuticals to receive a priority review voucher offered through the recently enacted Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007. The FDA’s new priority review voucher program is scheduled to go into effect in September of 2008.
Michael Becker, president and CEO of VioQuest, said: “Based on Lenocta’s demonstrated anti-tumor activity against melanoma, renal cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, and other cancers both alone and in combination with other approved immune-activation agents, including IL-2 and interferons, we believe this product candidate represents a promising approach to treating cancer.”