Nektar Therapeutics: NKTR-102 Shows Encouraging Anti-Tumor Activity in Ovarian Cancer in Phase 1 and Preclinical Data Presented at the ECCO 15 and 34th ESMO Multidisciplinary Congress
BERLIN and SAN CARLOS, Calif., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nektar Therapeutics presented favorable data today on lead oncology program, NKTR-102, demonstrating encouraging Phase 1 and preclinical anti-tumor activity of the investigational compound in ovarian cancer. These data were presented at the European CanCer Organisation (ECCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2009 Joint Multidisciplinary Congress in Berlin, Germany.
NKTR-102 is a novel prodrug of irinotecan that was designed using Nektar's proprietary small molecule advanced polymer conjugate technology platform. Nektar's proprietary technology is being used to significantly improve the half-life and potentially enhance the therapeutic profile of important chemotherapeutic agents and also to create novel, oral small molecule drug candidates across multiple therapeutic areas.
Data were also presented on patients with recurrent ovarian cancer from the Phase 1 dose-escalation study of single agent NKTR-102. Of five patients with ovarian cancer in the study, two were evaluable for efficacy. Both patients showed significant anti-tumor activity, including tumor reductions of up to 37% and a decrease in CA-125 marker levels of up to 80%. These patients had failed multiple prior therapies and had progressed following prior platinum-based therapy. Pharmacokinetic data from this same Phase 1 study showed increased and sustained SN38 exposure with administration of NKTR-102 compared to expected SN38 levels following irinotecan administration.
Data Presentation for NKTR-102
The poster presentation from today's "Gynecologic Cancer Session" at the ECCO15/ESMO 34 2009 Multidisciplinary Conference can be found on Nektar's website. www.nektar.com/product_pipeline/oncology_nktr-102.html
About NKTR-102
Nektar is developing NKTR-102, a novel prodrug which is a PEGylated form of irinotecan. NKTR-102 was invented by Nektar using its advanced polymer conjugate technology platform and is the first oncolytic that leverages Nektar's platform. Using a proprietary approach that directly conjugates the drug to a unique polymer architecture, Nektar is the first company to have created a PEGylated small molecule with a unique pharmacokinetic profile that has demonstrated therapeutic activity in patients.
About Nektar
Nektar is headquartered in San Carlos, California, with additional R&D operations in Huntsville, Alabama and Hyderabad, India. Further information about the company and its drug development programs and capabilities may be found online at http://www.nektar.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect Nektar's current views regarding the potential, progress, and clinical plans for NKTR-102 and the value and potential of Nektar's advanced polymer conjugate technology platform. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: (i) NKTR-102 are in the early stages of clinical development and the risk of failure is high and can unexpectedly occur in one or more cancer indications being studied; (ii) the timing of the commencement or end of clinical trials may be delayed or unsuccessful due to slower than anticipated patient enrollment, drug manufacturing challenges, changing standards of care, clinical trial design, or unanticipated clinical outcomes; (iii) clinical trials are long, expensive and uncertain processes and the risk of failure of any product candidate that is in clinical development remains high and can unexpectedly occur at any stage due to efficacy, safety or other factors; (iv) Nektar's patent applications for its proprietary or partner product candidates may not issue, patents that have issued may not be enforceable, or intellectual property licenses from third parties may be required in the future; and (v) the outcome of any existing or future intellectual property or other litigation related to Nektar's proprietary product candidates. Other important risks and uncertainties are detailed in Nektar's reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Nektar undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE Nektar Therapeutics
CONTACT: Nektar Investor Inquiries: Jennifer Ruddock, Nektar Therapeutics,
+1-650-631-4954; or Susan Noonan, SAN Group, +1-212-966-3650; Nektar Media
Inquiries: Karen Bergman, +1-650-575-1509, or Michelle Corral,
+1-415-794-8662, both of BCC Partners
Web site: http://www.nektar.com/