WX-671 was administered in different doses to patients for 15 days before surgery. It was found to be safe and well tolerated at all dose levels tested. The study demonstrated that the orally administered prodrug WX-671 is converted into the active compound WX-UK1. Bioanalytical tests of the tissue from the surgically removed tumor showed for the first time that significant concentrations of the active metabolite WX-UK1 could be achieved in the tumor tissue.
WX-671 is being developed as part of the company’s urokinase-type plasminogen activator inhibitor program. Currently, WX-671 is being studied in a clinical Phase II trial in pancreatic cancer.
Dr Paul Bevan, head of R&D and member of the executive management at Wilex, said: “This study is an important step in our uPA development program. WX-671 delivers adequate concentrations of active WX-UK1 in tumor tissues in patients is a significant milestone.”