Enzon has initiated the phase-II trial for PEG-SN38 (EZN-2208), its novel proprietary cancer compound. The trial is open at multiple centers in US to patients diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer.
PEG-SN38 is being developed using Enzon’ proprietary PEGylation technology. SN38 is the active metabolite of the widely used cancer drug irinotecan (also CPT-11), marketed as Camptosar in the US.
Two phase-I studies were conducted evaluating different dosing schedules of PEG-SN38. No cumulative toxicity has been reported. A recommended phase-II dose was established in April 2009.
Jeffrey Buchalter, Chairman and CEO, Enzon, said: “We are pleased to have the first PEG-SN38 Phase II trial open in early summer as promised. We are encouraged by the safety profile in the Phase I trials and are looking forward to this next phase of development.