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Pancreas Cancer News and Archives | |
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For educational purposes only; not to be relied upon. Please read Pancreatica Disclaimer | |
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EXIMIAS Announces Study Results
of THYMITAQ(R) in Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Presented
at ASCO June 2, 2003 EXIMIAS Pharmaceutical Corporation presented yesterday at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting that THYMITAQ® (nolatrexed dihydrochloride) may have promising activity contributing to disease stabilization in pancreatic cancer. Based on activity in Phase I studies, THYMITAQ® was evaluated in a multicenter Phase II trial in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. THYMITAQ® is a novel antifolate that exerts its anticancer activity through direct inhibition of thymidylate synthase. Cancer of the pancreas is a common malignancy, causing approximately 28,000 deaths each year in the United States. The disease is often difficult to diagnose when it is still operable and mortality rates are high. Experimental regimens for treating pancreatic cancer continue to be explored because current therapy provides only modest benefits. THYMITAQ® has demonstrated activity in Phase II trials in a broad range of solid tumors. In the multicenter pancreatic cancer trial, 36 patients treated with THYMITAQ® demonstrated a high rate (44%) of overall stable disease. One patient experienced a partial response to treatment, and 16 patients experienced stable disease, with 11 remaining stable for more than 3 months with tolerable toxicity levels. The median overall survival was 22 weeks. 19% of patients survived 40 weeks and 36% of patients survived 27 weeks. "The prolonged stabilization of disease observed among nearly half the patients on this trial was very encouraging," stated Dr. Jose Garcia-Vargas, EXIMIAS' Vice President of Clinical Development. These findings may indicate that THYMITAQ® has activity in pancreatic cancer, contributing to disease stabilization and possibly prolonged survival even in the absence of observable tumor reduction. "We are pleased with these Phase II results and look forward to initiating additional clinical trials with THYMITAQ® for pancreatic cancer," said Dr. Elizabeth Corsi, President and CEO. The first indication being pursued for THYMITAQ® is treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC (liver cancer). A randomized, Phase III trial (ETHECC©) comparing THYMITAQ® to doxorubicin therapy is proceeding at nearly 70 sites globally. THYMITAQ® is the only drug currently in a pivotal Phase III program for this condition. The trial is designed to show increased survival in patients with primary liver cancer, and enrollment is now over 60% complete. About EXIMIAS Pharmaceutical Corporation EXIMIAS is an emerging, specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and will market unique prescription products for oncology and critical care based markets. The company has two novel clinical stage products, THYMITAQ® and lanimostim for serious fungal infections. The goal is to build the product portfolio, become an operating company, and generate revenues to self-fund marketing and development. For more information about EXIMIAS, visit the web site at www.eximiaspharm.com.
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