HOBOKEN, N.J.and PHILADELPHIA, April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Niiki Pharma Inc. announced the presentation of preclinical data for its novel anti-cancer compound, NKP-2235, at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting held in Chicago, Illinois. NKP-2235 is a first-in-class compound, and the first highly orally bioavailable gallium-based anti-cancer agent.
This breakthrough in cancer research is significant because, although other companies have tried developing gallium-based anti-cancer compounds before, they could not maintain therapeutic dosages safely and effectively in vivo.
“Developing a highly orally bioavailable gallium-based anti-cancer agent that stays intact and targets tumors has been a holy grail to those who have worked with gallium in the past,” stated Dr. Hooshmand Sheshbaradaran, CEO of Niiki Pharma.
NKP-2235 is a novel agent that targets the endoplasmic reticulum. In laboratory studies, NKP-2235 has demonstrated single agent activity against multiple tumor types, including those resistant to chemotherapy. The data presented at AACR show that NKP-2235 also has synergistic activity when combined with other chemotherapy agents.
“The distinctive pattern of tumor cell death and the broad single agent activity of NKP-2235 make this a very interesting agent. The synergism data suggest that NKP-2235 will also work well in multi-agent chemotherapy regimens,” said Dr. Angela Ogden, Chief Medical Officer at Niiki Pharma.
Niiki Pharma has obtained IND approval from the FDA and IRB approval to start the single agent Phase I trial on NKP-2235 at Indiana University‘s Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Companion diagnostics will be developed in parallel to enable NKP-2235 to be targeted to patients who can most benefit from treatment.
About NKP-2235
NKP-2235 is the second most advanced compound in Niiki Pharma’s novel pipeline. NKP-2235 is a first-in-class orally available compound that targets the endoplasmic reticulum with a unique pattern of tumor cell killing. Independent of its anti-tumor activity, it can also prevent bone breakdown. NKP-2235 IND has been cleared and a Phase I trial will be initiated shortly. NKP-2235 was originally discovered by Professor Bernhard Keppler, University of Vienna, Austria.
About Niiki Pharma Inc.
Niiki Pharma (www.niikipharma.com) is a development focused oncology company specializing in first-in-class cancer treatments directed at novel tumor targets and related companion diagnostics.
SOURCE Niiki Pharma Inc.
