Based on the clinical data, the company plans to initiate a new phase I/II trial of Atiprimod in carcinoid cancer patients with advanced tumors that it plans to open at several sites in the next few months.
Carcinoid tumors, or carcinoids, originate in hormone-producing cells of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the respiratory tract, the hepatobiliary (liver) system and the reproductive glands. The most common site of origin is the GI tract, with tumors often developing in the rectum, and other sections of the small intestine. There are currently no FDA approved drugs for these types of tumors.
“The exciting results from the phase I/IIa trial of Atiprimod in advanced cancer patients have transformed our Atiprimod development program,” said Dr Gary Jacob, CEO of Callisto. “The study uncovered a patient population with carcinoid tumors that could potentially benefit from our drug, and our intention is to move aggressively forward with further clinical evaluation of Atiprimod in a larger population of carcinoid patients.”