The trials, which will begin during the second half of 2008, will test AZD6244 (ARRY-886) in combination with a cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent; one trial will be in melanoma patients and the other in non small cell lung cancer patients. These plans are based upon AZD6244’s activity as a single agent in previous monotherapy Phase II trials and on data from multiple preclinical studies.
AZD6244 is an anticancer drug in Phase II development in a range of tumors. It is a small molecule inhibitor that targets a key position in the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signalling pathway. This pathway is implicated in the development and progression of cancers.
John Yates, chief medical officer of Array, said: “We believe that AZD6244 holds promise for cancer patients and we look forward to the initiation of these additional Phase II trials.”