RTA 744 is a new anticancer drug that crosses the blood-brain barrier and shows significant potential for the treatment of brain cancers. The drug has demonstrated appropriate pharmacokinetics and a safety profile consistent with other drugs in its class.
In the phase I trial, RTA 744 produced positive signs of anticancer activity in multiple patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In particular, one patient who has been receiving RTA 744 has experienced complete tumor abrogation, a complete response as measured by repeated MRI imaging. Several other patients have also seen their tumors shrink or stabilize upon treatment with RTA 744. Complete responses are extremely rare in this patient population, noted the company.
“This drug has had clear activity in multiple patients with the deadliest form of brain tumor – glioblastoma multiforme. If these preliminary findings are confirmed in further studies, it will represent a major advance for patients with this devastating form of cancer,” commented Warren Huff, president and CEO of Reata.
Advanced clinical trials of RTA 744 in primary brain tumors are planned to begin in 2007. Additionally, Reata has recently begun testing the drug in patients who have other types of tumors that have spread to the central nervous system.