Phase II clinical trial begins on experimental mesothelioma drug
The investigational compound CBP501, developed by CanBas and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, has begun Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The earlier Phase I trial suggested that CBP501, when used in combination with certain chemotherapy drugs, increases anti-cancer cell activity and accelerates cancer cell death.
A separate Phase II trial began in November 2008 to determine CBP501’s efficacy in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, caused by inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers that currently has no cure. Researchers hope that CBP501 can be used as palliative therapy for both NSCLC and mesothelioma.
Clinical investigation of CBP501 began in March 2007 when CanBas and Takeda agreed to work together in developing compounds that could be used to treat certain types of cancer. CanBas was founded by the three cancer researchers who originally identified CBP501. Once Phase III trials are completed, both CanBas and Takeda Millennium will work toward development and promotion of the drug in the United States.
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