Alchemia Limited Advances Lead Anticancer Compound to Human Clinical Trials

Alchemia chairman Mel Bridges announced a major milestone for the company with the decision to proceed with the lead anticancer compound, ACL16907, to human clinical trials. This development marks the first compound discovered using the company's novel drug discovery technology to advance to clinical candidate status. Alchemia CEO Tracie Ramsdale stated that the company will undertake preclinical toxicology and safety studies, followed by Investigational New Drug (IND) application submission to the FDA.

Key Takeaways:

Alchemia Limited will advance its lead anticancer compound, ACL16907, to human clinical trials, marking a significant milestone for the company and its drug discovery program.
The company's decision to proceed to the clinic has been based on comprehensive review of the compound's performance in animal model trials, its ability to be manufactured in commercial quantities, and its physicochemical properties.
ACL16907 has shown significant inhibition of tumour growth in animal model trials, with a reduction of 75% in human non-small cell lung cancer when used in conjunction with Paclitaxel.
The compound belongs to a novel class of small molecule 'somatostatin agonists' that provides a multi-point attack on tumour growth and has the potential to be relatively non-toxic.
Alchemia's anticancer compound has a potential advantage over existing somatostatin drugs due to its small molecule structure and receptor subtype selectivity.
The market potential for somatostatin drugs is significant, with the three available drugs expected to achieve combined sales exceeding $US1 billion in 2005.
Alchemia is also investigating compounds with potential for treatment of multi-drug resistant bacterial infections, eye disease, and pain.

Statistics:

75% reduction in tumour growth achieved by ACL16907 when used in conjunction with Paclitacel in animal model trial of human non-small cell lung cancer.
$US1 billion expected in combined sales of existing somatostatin drugs in 2005.
12 months duration of animal model trials conducted by Alchemia to assess ACL16907's performance.
42% reduction in tumour growth achieved by Paclitacel alone in the same animal model trial.
Q2 2006: planned entry into preliminary discussions with the FDA for IND application submission.
H1 2006: expected timeframe for advancing into the clinic with ACL16907.

Sources:

Alchemia Limited press release, [no date]