OncoVista Licenses Phase II Drug From OSI Pharma

Biopharmaceutical firm OncoVista has signed an exclusive, worldwide agreement to license a Phase II clinical candidate, OSI-7904L, from OSI Pharmaceuticals.

OSI-7904L is a liposomal formulation of a potent inhibitor of the enzyme thymidylate synthase with unique properties. The liposomal nature of the drug allows a more convenient dosing regimen and has a manageable toxicity profile. OSI-7904L has been previously studied in multiple clinical trials, including three Phase II trials in gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer, biliary tract cancer, and head and neck cancer.

Alexander Weis, CEO of OncoVista, said: “OncoVista intends to continue the clinical development of OSI-7904L, with an initial Phase II trial in either metastatic breast cancer or gastric cancer patients.

“We believe that the drug can be successfully developed in conjunction with our AdnaGen technology for detecting and monitoring clinically significant biomarkers, which may be used for screening potential clinical trial participants and which may also provide a means of monitoring response to therapy. OncoVista intends to develop this compound to help patients achieve a better outcome with less toxicity.”

Financial details were not disclosed.