YM BioSciences has presented preclinical results for Cyt997 at the Aacr-Nci-Eortc meeting Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics conference in Boston, Massachusetts. The presentation was made by Cytopia. Cyt997 is an orally available, small molecule vascular disrupting agent (VDA) currently in Phase II clinical studies.
The results demonstrate that when Cyt997 is administered metronomically (in frequent, low doses), is able to produce potent vascular disrupting effects in tumors (colon adenocarcinoma xenograft model), and in combination with cisplatin dosed weekly leads to enhanced antitumor effects compared to cisplatin alone.
Administration of Cyt997 reportedly resulted in a time and concentration-dependent shutdown of tumor vasculature. Daily administration of Cyt997 reportedly resulted in a sustained shutdown of tumour vasculature, increased necrosis and increased survival.
Chris Burns, director of research at Cytopia, said: “The results of this study appear to demonstrate the broad potential utility of Cyt997 as an anticancer agent. The ability to administer Cyt997 orally differentiates it from most other VDAs in development and allows more flexible dosing regimes than would be possible for agents that can only be administered intravenously.”
David Allan, chairman and CEO of YM BioSciences, said: “Cyt997 is substantially distinct from the other VDAs in that it can be delivered orally, as well as intravenously, facilitating more frequent administration at lower doses, a regimen likely to enhance both its safety and efficacy.
“We believe this unique aspect of Cyt997 could significantly expand its utility and that its development could add to existing treatment protocols and lead to new and important regimens for a wide range of tumour types.”