ChemGenex launches omacetaxine trial in AML patients

Sydney, Mar 11, 2008 (RWE via COMTEX) -- CXSFF | news | PowerRating | PR Charts -- (RWE Australian Business News) ChemGenex Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX:CXS) has launched a new phase 2 study evaluating the use of omacetaxine mepesuccinate (formerly homoharringtonine, HHT) in refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who have failed intensive chemotherapy.

Initiation of the AML study represents the next step in ChemGenex's development strategy for omacetaxine, complementing its two ongoing clinical studies in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

The study will be conducted in France and is designed as a two-stage study with potential enrolment of up to 27 patients.

The primary endpoint will be the proportion of patients achieving complete and partial remissions, and the secondary endpoints will include survival.

AML is a cancer of the myeloid line of white blood cells, characterised by the rapid proliferation of abnormal cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with production of normal blood cells.

AML is the most common acute leukemia affecting adults with an estimated 30,000 new cases per year in the developed world, more than twice that of CML. The incidence of AML is increasing with increased life expectancy and ageing of the general population.

rweabn.com.au

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