TopoTarget and CuraGen initiate Phase Ib Clinical Trial

TopoTarget A/S and US-based CuraGen Corporation have initiated the patient dosing in a Phase Ib open-label, multi-centre, proof-of-concept clinical trial evaluating PXD101, a small molecule histone deacetylase, HDAC, inhibitor for the treatment of advanced solid tumours, including colorectal cancer.

The proof-of-concept trial will initially establish the maximum tolerated dose, MTD, of PXD101 used in combination with 5-fluorouracil, 5-FU, a drug widely used in the treatment of colorectal and other cancers, in up to 15 patients with advanced solid tumours. Following determination of the MTD, the study will be expanded and enrol up to 20 additional patients with advanced colorectal cancer in order to further evaluate the safety and activity of PXD101 combined with 5-FU. In addition, the trial will assess the effect of PXD101 on thymidylate synthase, TS, expression in tumours.

PXD101 is a promising small molecule HDAC inhibitor being investigated for its role in the treatment of a wide range of solid and haematological malignancies either as a single agent, or in combination with other active anti-cancer agents. HDAC inhibitors represent a new mechanistic class of anti-cancer therapeutics that target HDAC enzymes and have been shown to: arrest growth of cancer cells; induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death; promote differentiation; inhibit angiogenesis; and sensitize cancer cells to overcome drug resistance when used in combination with other anti-cancer agents.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Peter Buhl Jensen

CEO

Tel: +45 39 17 83 41

Email: enquiries@topotarget.com

Or visit: www.topotarget.com