EP-100 is a targeted membrane-disrupting peptide designed to search for and destroy cancer cells that over-express luteinizing hormone releasing hormone receptors on their surfaces.
The randomized, multi-center trial will enroll five to eight patients in a run-in to confirm the maximum safe dose of EP-100 to be combined with paclitaxel, the company said.
Esperance chief executive officer Hector Alila said, "Based on our successful Phase 1 study and results of preclinical studies, we believe there is a compelling rationale for the study of EP-100 in ovarian cancer — which is known to over express LHRH receptors."
The objective response rate is the primary outcome of the study.
The secondary outcome measures comprise quality and duration of response, time to progression and follow-up for survival as well as the safety of this new doublet regimen.