BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Plexxikon Inc. today announced that dosing of cancer patients with PLX3397 has started in a Phase 1 clinical trial. PLX3397 is a novel, oral investigational drug for treating multiple diseases, including metastatic cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. PLX3397 is a highly selective kinase inhibitor that down-modulates macrophages, osteoclasts and mast cells—all cells derived from the immune system—as well as certain tumor cells that promote tumor growth and metastases to the bone. By targeting these cells and consequently, certain cytokines, PLX3397 has been shown to be effective in reducing circulating tumor burden, bone erosion and pain associated with such erosion, in preclinical cancer models. Similarly, PLX3397 has demonstrated reduced inflammation and joint disease in several models of inflammation and autoimmune disease. PLX3397 is the first drug candidate in Plexxikon’s portfolio of compounds targeting these cell types that should enable the company to develop differentiated drugs for treatment of a wide range of diseases. Plexxikon expects to advance a second drug candidate from this portfolio to the clinic in 2010 to more specifically address other disease indications.
