Ligand Pharmaceuticals' LGD1550 Shows Promising Anti-Tumor Activity in Advanced Cancer Studies

Investigative teams at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Georgetown University Lombardi Cancer Research Center have reported successful Phase I/II clinical trials of Ligand Pharmaceuticals' LGD1550, a retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-selective retinoid, in advanced cancer patients. LGD1550 has demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity in pre-clinical studies and has been well-tolerated in human clinical trials, with only minor adverse effects observed. The results of these trials support the further exploration of LGD1550's potential efficacy in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of cervical, head and neck, and other cancers.

Key Takeaways:

• LGD1550, a retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-selective retinoid, has shown potent anti-tumor activity in pre-clinical studies and has been well-tolerated in human clinical trials.
• Two independent Phase I/II trials conducted at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and at Georgetown University Lombardi Cancer Research Center involved a total of 56 patients with advanced cancer, with primary cancer diagnoses including thyroid, non-small cell lung, prostate, and other cancers.
• No dose-limiting toxicities were observed in the Memorial Sloan-Kettering trial, while Georgetown University investigators observed dose-limiting skin toxicities and diarrhea at higher dose levels.
• The recommended Phase II dose of LGD1550 has not yet been determined, but the Company plans to begin Phase II studies in patients with cervical and head and neck cancers after review of Phase I data.
• Ligand Pharmaceuticals has applied its gene transcription technology to the discovery and development of small molecule drugs to enhance therapeutic and safety profiles and to address unmet patient needs in various diseases.
• The Company plans to begin Phase II studies with LGD1550 in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of cervical and head and neck cancers.

Statistics:

• 56 patients with advanced cancer were enrolled in the two Phase I/II trials of LGD1550.
• 23 patients were enrolled in the Memorial Sloan-Kettering trial, with a treatment duration of four weeks and the option for longer duration therapy if patients showed clinical benefit with no unacceptable toxicities.
• 33 patients were enrolled in the Georgetown University trial, with a treatment duration of four weeks and the option for longer duration therapy if patients showed clinical benefit with no unacceptable toxicities.
• The maximum tolerated dose of LGD1550 has not been determined.

Sources:

• Prnewswire.com, "Ligand Pharmaceuticals Reports Initial Clinical Results for LGD1550 in Advanced Cancer" (May 18, 1998)
• Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, "Ligand Pharmaceuticals Reports Initial Clinical Results for LGD1550 in Advanced Cancer" (May 18, 1998)