Arius Starts Pre-Clinical Study for Cancer Drug

Arius Research has initiated the first study in the formal preclinical toxicology program for its lead anti-CD44 drug candidate, which is under development for the treatment of breast, prostate and liver cancers.

Arius said that it expects to file an IND application and begin human clinical trials in 2008. The biotechnology company is developing the compound for the treatment of solid tumors such as breast, prostate and liver cancers. The drug targets cancer stem cells which are suspected of causing the spread of cancer even after patients appear to have responded to conventional treatments.

Dr Robert Gundel, chief scientific officer of Arius, said: “A novel antibody that targets cancer stem cells as part of its mechanism of action represents a new approach to cancer treatment with the potential of better efficacy and less toxicity for patients.”