Other preliminary data results included clinical activity confirmed in chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA), a condition associated with a significant rate (e.g., 40-50%) of non-response to recombinant erythropoietin (rhEPO); and one-third of patients maintained their hemoglobin levels.
The company said all patients enrolled with low levels of white blood cells (neutrophils) achieved improved levels during treatment, while patients with normal neutrophil levels remained unchanged.
Additionally, no patient required a blood transfusion, which is common with CIA.
This phase Ib/II trial is being conducted in eastern Europe under the supervision of Pharm-Olam International, a US-based clinical research organization. Based on these preliminary results, ProMetic has concluded that the drug, PBI-1402, is a good candidate for further clinical development, and will focus its work in CIA and anemia related to cancer.