SRI International, Memorial Sloan-Kettering and Southern Research Institute License Phase II Oncology Drug to Allos Therapeutics.Business Editors/Medical Writers MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 8, 2003 SRI International, an independent research and development organization, announced today that, together with project collaborators Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York City is a cancer treatment and research institution founded in 1884 as the New York Cancer Hospital. The main campus is located at 1275 York Avenue, between 67th and 68th Streets, with other locations in New (MSKCC MSKCC Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center ) and Southern Research Institute, it has licensed exclusive worldwide rights to PDX PDX Product Data Exchange (file name extension; XML technology) PDX Paradox Files (file name extension) PDX Product Definition Exchange PDX Phone Data Exchange (Proxon) (10-propargyl-10-deazaaminopterin), a proprietary Phase II oncology drug, to Allos Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALTH). Allos plans to expedite clinical development of this promising agent for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell Definition Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a disease in which the cells of the lung tissues grow uncontrollably and form tumors. Description There are two kinds of lung cancers, primary and secondary. . Under the terms of the agreement, Allos has made an up-front payment to the collaborators. Allos will also pay future fees based on the achievement of certain development milestones and will pay royalties on future sales. Allos is responsible for all future development activities and expenses, and is solely responsible for all commercialization activities. PDX, an inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase dihydrofolate reductase enzyme catalyzing the conversion of folate to 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate, which is the key carrier of one-carbon units in purine and pyridime synthesis, the pathway for the breakdown of histidine and the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine from S (DHFR DHFR Dihydrofolate reductase, see there ), is a novel anti-folate with expected superior potency and side effect profile relative to methotrexate methotrexate, drug used in halting the growth of actively proliferating tissues. Introduced in the 1950s, it is used in the treatment of leukemia, psoriasis, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. and related anti-folates. PDX was first synthesized by SRI International medicinal chemists as a potential improved analog of edatrexate, an earlier anti-folate developed by SRI International and MSKCC. Preclinical development was performed by MSKCC and Southern Research Institute. All clinical trials have been carried out by the Experimental Therapeutics Center at MSKCC. Significant activity was shown in a recently completed Phase II study of PDX as a single agent in 39 highly pretreated patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Current clinical trials at MSKCC include single-agent studies in Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (Phase I trial) and mesothelioma Mesothelioma Definition Mesothelioma is an uncommon disease that causes malignant cancer cells to form within the lining of the chest, abdomen, or around the heart. Its primary cause is believed to be exposure to asbestos. (Phase II trial), and a combination study with docetaxel in non-small cell lung cancer patients (Phase I trial). "Phase I studies at Memorial Sloan-Kettering have shown that myelosuppression is not the dose-limiting toxicity for PDX, making it an excellent candidate for combination studies with other oncology products. SRI International is excited by the promise of PDX and by the opportunity the agreement with Allos represents to bring a new anti-cancer agent to market," said James P. McNamara, Ph.D., senior director of business development in SRI's Biopharmaceutical Division. SRI International's Biopharmaceutical Division works with government and commercial pharmaceutical clients to discover and pursue lead compounds and advance research of therapeutics and vaccines in cancer, neuroscience, and infectious diseases. The group provides a broad range of preclinical discovery and development services, including medicinal chemistry, custom synthesis, efficacy and safety evaluations, pharmacokinetics and metabolism studies, analytical chemistry and formulation design and production in a GLP See gateway location protocol. and cGMP environment. About SRI International Silicon Valley-based SRI International (http://www.sri.com) is one of the world's leading independent research and technology development organizations. Founded as Stanford Research Institute Stanford Research Institute - Former name of SRI International. in 1946, SRI has been meeting the strategic needs of clients for more than 55 years. The nonprofit research institute performs contract research and development for government agencies, commercial businesses and nonprofit foundations. In addition to conducting contract R&D, SRI licenses its technologies, forms strategic partnerships and creates spin-off companies. SRI International is a registered trademark of SRI International. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. |
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