Cephalon has provided results from a pivotal clinical trial of lestaurtinib (CEP-701), in patients with relapsed acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
Lestaurtinib is a potent inhibitor of several tyrosine kinases including FLT3 and a Janus kinase (JAK2), ongoing studies for the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders.
The study was designed to show the benefit of lestaurtinib when given in sequence with standard induction chemotherapy, as compared to those treated with standard induction chemotherapy alone.
An analysis of the study said that patients who were treated with lestaurtinib showed similar rates of complete response but no increased benefit in overall survival, as compared to those who received induction chemotherapy alone.
Lesley Russell, Executive Vice President and CMO, Cephalon, said: We are disappointed that this study with lestaurtinib did not demonstrate a benefit for this patient population but we remain committed to oncology clinical research and developing innovative therapies for life-threatening diseases.