NexMed Says FDA May Allow Cancer Drug into Late Stage
The Company also noted that in IND review communication, the FDA has given NexMed the opportunity to move PrevOnco™ directly into a Phase 3 trial that would support marketing approval, subject to positive study results. In order to pursue this regulatory path, NexMed would need to expand the proposed Phase 2 study design to use PrevOnco™ in combination with Doxorubicin as a second-line therapy for patients who have failed NEXAVAR®, the currently marketed first-line anticancer treatment for patients with either HCC or advanced renal cell carcinoma (cancer of the kidney).
PrevOnco™ incorporates lansoprazole, which is the generic anti-ulcer compound approved under the name Prevacid® and marketed in the U.S. by Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Inc. In vitro and in vivo data generated to date has demonstrated the ability of lansoprazole to inhibit tumor cell growth and enhance survival in mouse models of cancer alone, and in combination with Doxorubicin.
Commenting on today’s news, Dr. Bassam Damaj, President and Chief Executive Officer of NexMed, stated, “We are very pleased that the FDA agreed with our protocol for the HCC Phase 2 trial for PrevOnco™ as a first-line therapy for HCC. Additionally, we are actively assessing the suggestion made by the FDA to move directly into a Phase 3 trial, by studying PrevOnco™ in combination with Doxorubicin as a second-line therapy for patients who have failed NEXAVAR® therapy. Following this path could be very advantageous for NexMed since advancing the drug directly into a Phase 3 study would save us at least 12-24 months in development time.”
About Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the seventh most common cancer in the world, with a high incidence in China and other Asian countries. Although uncommon in the U.S., there are a reported 8,500 to 11,000 new cases diagnosed each year, comprising 2% of all malignancies. Cases in the U.S. occur primarily in men of Chinese descent, a subpopulation which has a high incidence of viral hepatitis – a known risk factor for HCC.
About NexMed, Inc.
NexMed is the largest specialty CRO based in San Diego, CA and is one of the industry's most experienced CROs for in vitro and in vivo pharmacology services and research models. The Company’s goal is to generate revenues from the growth of its Discovery Pre-clinical CRO business, while aggressively seeking to monetize its proprietary NexACT drug delivery technology through out-licensing agreements with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, worldwide. At the same time, NexMed is actively pursuing partnering opportunities for its NexACT-based treatments for onychomycosis, psoriasis, sexual dysfunction and cancer. For further information on NexMed and its subsidiaries, visit the following websites: http://www.nexmed.com or http://www.bio-quant.com.
Forward-Looking Statement Safe Harbor
Statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act: with the exception of the historical information contained in this release, the matters described herein contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that may individually or mutually impact the matters herein described for a variety of reasons that are outside the control of the Company including but not limited to its ability to develop and license PrevOnco™ and the ability to design and commence clinical studies.
Contact:
NexMed Contacts: NexMed, Inc. Edward Cox, 858-926-5811 V.P. Investor Relations ecox@nexmed.com or NexMed Investor Relations: Rx Communications Group, LLC Paula Schwartz, 917-322-2216 pschwartz@rxir.com