Vion Pharmaceuticals Announces Initiation Of Clinical Trial Of Cloretazine(R) (VNP40101M) In Combination With Cytarabine
INC. (Nasdaq: VION) announced the start of an investigator-sponsored
Phase I/II clinical trial of its lead anticancer agent Cloretazine(R)
(VNP40101M) in combination with cytarabine in elderly patients with
previously untreated acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and high-risk
myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The trial is being conducted under the
direction of Ellen K. Ritchie, M.D. at The Weill-Cornell Medical College in
New York City. Co- investigators for the study are Eric Feldman, M.D. and
Gail Roboz, M.D.
The objectives of the trial are: (i) to define the maximum tolerated
dose (MTD) of Cloretazine(R) (VNP40101M) when given in combination with
cytarabine to AML and high-risk MDS patients over the age of 60, and (ii)
to evaluate this combination further for safety and efficacy in a larger
cohort of patients. Cloretazine(R) (VNP40101M) will be given as a 30 - 60
minute infusion on day 1 approximately 3-4 hours after the start of the
cytarabine infusion. Cytarabine will be administered as a continuous
infusion of 100 mg/m2/day for 7 days. In the Phase I portion of the study,
dose escalation will be done in cohorts of at least 3 patients and the
maximum tolerated dose (MTD) identified in the Phase I segment will be used
in the Phase II segment of the study.
Ann Cahill, Vice President, Clinical Development, commented, "It is
important for us to continue to study Cloretazine(R) (VNP40101M) in
combination with different doses and schedules of cytarabine, the most
widely used drug in the treatment of AML. In addition, we want to evaluate
Cloretazine(R) (VNP40101M) in a broader group of elderly patients than are
currently being studied in our pivotal trial of Cloretazine(R) (VNP40101M)
as a single agent." Ms. Cahill concluded, "Cloretazine(R) (VNP40101M) has
shown activity in AML and MDS, warranting further study in the treatment of
these devastating conditions as both a single agent and in combination with
other therapies."
Dr. Ritchie commented, "We are enthusiastic to begin exploring this
regimen for AML and MDS patients that are over the age of 60. As standard
therapies for these individuals have shown to be inadequate, there exists a
need for our continued attention to research and development of new
treatment options. Preliminary clinical trials using Cloretazine(R)
(VNP40101M) in combination with cytarabine have demonstrated favorable
activity and compelling evidence for further study. The knowledge gained
from this research study will bring us closer to our goal of finding the
best possible treatment for our patients that will extend the length as
well as improve the quality of their lives."
Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is committed to extending the lives and
improving the quality of life of cancer patients worldwide by developing
and commercializing innovative cancer therapeutics. Vion has two agents in
clinical trials. Cloretazine(R) (VNP40101M), a unique alkylating agent, is
being evaluated in a Phase II pivotal trial as a single agent in elderly
patients with previously untreated de novo poor-risk acute myelogenous
leukemia. Clinical trials of Cloretazine(R) (VNP40101M) with temozolomide
in brain tumors, and with stem cell transplantation in advanced hematologic
malignancies, are also being conducted. Triapine(R), a potent inhibitor of
a key step in DNA synthesis, is being evaluated in clinical trials
sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. For additional information on
Vion and its product development programs, visit the Company's Internet web
site at http://www.vionpharm.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements
are subject to certain risk factors which may cause Vion's plans to differ
or results to vary from those expected, including Vion's potential
inability to obtain regulatory approval for its products, particularly
Cloretazine(R) (VNP40101M), delayed or unfavorable results of drug trials,
the possibility that favorable results of earlier preclinical studies or
clinical trials are not predictive of safety and efficacy results in later
clinical trials, the need for additional research and testing, the
inability to manufacture product, the potential inability to secure
external sources of funding to continue operations, the inability to access
capital and funding on favorable terms, continued operating losses and the
inability to continue operations as a result, and a variety of other risks
set forth from time to time in Vion's filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the risks attendant to
the forward-looking statements included under Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in
Vion's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. In particular, there
can be no assurance as to the results of any of the Vion's clinical trials,
that any of these trials will continue to full accrual, or that any of
these trials will not be discontinued, modified, delayed or ceased
altogether. Except in special circumstances in which a duty to update
arises under law when prior disclosure becomes materially misleading in
light of subsequent events, Vion does not intend to update any of these
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the
date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
http://www.vionpharm.com
