Mersana Reports Preliminary Phase 1 Results of XMT-1001 in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 2 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
MEDIA RELEASE PR34867
- Results Presented at American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Meeting
Show Fleximer(R) Conjugated Drug Is Well Tolerated with Favorable
Pharmacokinetics and Prolonged Stable Disease in Refractory Tumors -
Mersana Therapeutics presented preliminary results of a Phase 1 clinical trial for its lead development
candidate, XMT-1001, in a poster session at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical
Oncology (ASCO) in Orlando. XMT-1001 is a broad-spectrum cytotoxic, based on camptothecin (CPT),
conjugated to Mersana's biodegradable polymer platform, Fleximer(R).
Ten of 37 evaluable patients dosed to date demonstrated evidence of
stable disease and seven patients had prolonged stable disease for at least
12 weeks. The study has also demonstrated that XMT-1001 can be safely given
to patients. Toxicities such as hemorrhagic cystitis and serious diarrhea
were not observed in this preliminary assessment. In addition, a favorable
pharmacokinetic profile was observed. Full text of the abstract can be viewed
"We are encouraged by the favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profile
demonstrated by XMT-1001 thus far," said Julie Olson, Chief Executive Officer
of Mersana. "These preliminary results build on our preclinical studies,
which showed that XMT-1001 has greater efficacy in human tumor xenograft
models than comparable doses of irinotecan, an agent with a similar mechanism
of action as camptothecin and that is approved to treat patients with colon
cancer. We look forward to advancing XMT-1001 into a Phase 2 trial in a solid
tumor indication."
About the XMT-1001 Preliminary Study
The Phase 1 trial is an open label, dose escalation study of XMT-1001
administered as an IV infusion once every three weeks in patients with
advanced solid tumors. The objectives of the study are to determine the
maximum tolerated dose (MTD) as well as to assess safety and
pharmacokinetics. The maximum tolerated dose is not yet defined and accrual
to the study continues.
ASCO Poster Information
"A Phase I study of the safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of XMT-1001
given as an intravenous (IV) infusion once every three weeks to patients with
advanced solid tumors."
By E. Sausville, L. Garbo, G. J. Weiss, S. Anthony, D. Shkolny, A. V.
Yurkovetskiy, C. Bethune, R. J. Fram; University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD;
New York Oncology Hematology, Albany, NY; TGen Clinical Research Services,
Scottsdale, AZ; Mersana Therapeutics, Inc., Cambridge, MA; Covance
Bioanalytical, Madison, WI
Session: Developmental Therapeutics: Cytotoxic Chemotherapy
Type: General Poster Session
Time: Saturday May 30, 2009, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Level 2, West Hall C
About Fleximer(R)
The key component of Mersana's platform is Fleximer(R), a novel,
biodegradable and bio-inert polymer that can be chemically linked to small
molecules and biologics. Fleximer(R) technology improves the therapeutic
index of existing compounds by uniquely combining biodegradability with
"biological stealth" properties, making Fleximer(R) materials and their
conjugates long-circulating and non-immunotoxic. Fleximer(R) molecules are
characterized by solubility in water, with stability in common manufacturing
procedures.
About Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.
Mersana Therapeutics employs its biodegradable polymer platform
(Fleximer(R)) to create new and better medicines. We are advancing our own
clinical-stage pipeline of novel compounds with the potential to address
multiple oncology indications. We also leverage the versatility of Fleximer
through partnerships to overcome the safety, efficacy, and delivery
challenges of nucleic acids, biologics, and small molecules in numerous
therapeutic areas.
Mersana is headquartered in Cambridge, MA and its investors include
Fidelity Biosciences, ProQuest Investments, Rho Ventures, Harris & Harris
Fleximer(R) and Mersana(R) are registered trademarks of Mersana
Therapeutics, Inc.
SOURCE: Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.
CONTACT: Kathryn Morris of KMorrisPR, +1-845-635-9828, kathryn@kmorrispr.com
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