In the Pipeline

In the Pipeline

• AnorMED has initiated a Phase II clinical trial to evaluate the potential of AMD-3100 as a new agent for stem cell transplantation in cancer patients. In this study, AMD-3100 will be given in combination with the standard agent, G-CSF or Neupogen, to patients with multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

• OncoGenex Technologies and Isis Pharmaceuticals have announced the initiation of a Phase I clinical trial of OGX-011 in patients with prostate cancer. OGX-011 is an antisense drug being developed to sensitize tumors resistant to existing treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone ablation therapy, and radiation therapy.

• VaxGen has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated the company’s HIV/AIDS vaccine candidates, AIDSVAX B/B and AIDSVAX B/E (rgp120), fast-track products for prevention of HIV infection.

• Millennium Pharmaceuticals has initiated a Phase I clinical trial of MLN1202, a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the chemokine receptor CCR2. MLN1202 is being developed as a potential treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and possibly other inflammatory diseases.

• Pain Therapeutics has initiated a pilot clinical study of a proprietary drug in patients who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome.

• Acologix has initiated a Phase I clinical study of its lead compound AC-100 (Dentonin) to support its primary indication, osteoporosis.

• DOV Pharmaceutical has initiated a Phase III clinical trial investigating bicifadine, the company’s non-narcotic analgesic, in the treatment of moderate-to-severe post-surgical dental pain.