London, Friday, 4 November 2011: Hutchison MediPharma Limited (“HMP”), the drug R&D company majority owned by Chi-Med, today announces the initiation of the first-in-human Phase I clinical trial of Epitinib (HMPL-813). This is the third oncology compound from the internal discovery programmes of HMP to enter into clinical study in China. Epitinib is a novel, second generation, orally active small molecule inhibitor targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), designed for optimal tissue distribution to achieve broader anti-tumour activity. The first patient was dosed on 31 October 2011.
The primary objectives of the Phase I study of Epitinib are to evaluate its safety and tolerability in patients and to determine its maximum tolerated dose. The study will also evaluate its preliminary efficacy against various tumours, including tumours carrying activating EGFR mutations that have metastasised to the brain from other cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer.
In preclinical studies, Epitinib demonstrated excellent brain penetration and good efficacy in orthotopic brain tumour models and reached drug concentrations in the brain tissue that are expected to result in robust efficacy when given orally at doses well below toxic levels. Epitinib was also found to have good pharmacokinetic properties and a favourable safety profile. If the preclinical findings are confirmed in clinical studies, Epitinib could become a breakthrough therapy for patients with primary brain tumours or tumours metastasised to brain carrying activating EGFR mutations.
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Chi-Med Christian Hogg, CEO |
Telephone: +852 2121 8200
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Citigate Dewe Rogerson Anthony Carlisle David Dible |
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7638 9571 Mobile: +44 (0) 7973 611 888 Mobile: +44 (0) 7967 566 919 |
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Lazard & Co., Limited Paul Gismondi Nick Fowler |
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7187 2000 |
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a protein that is a cell-surface receptor for epidermal growth factors (EGFs). Activation of EGFR can lead to a series of downstream signalling activities that mediate tumour cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and the suppression of cell death. Treatment strategies for certain cancers relate to inhibiting EGFRs with small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as Epitinib (HMPL-813).
First generation small molecule EGFR inhibitors such as gefitinib (Iressa™) and erlotinib (Tarceva™) are used for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, particularly in patients with EGFR-related mutations. Worldwide sales of Tarceva™ alone reached approximately US$1.3 billion in 2010. EGFR mutations occur in about 10-30% of non-small cell lung cancer patients and are a hallmark for treatment success. In addition to non-small cell lung cancer, EGFR mutations are also found in 30-40% of glioblastoma patients. The currently available EGFR inhibitors lack satisfactory clinical efficacy against primary brain tumours or tumours metastasised to the brain from other organs such as the lung, largely attributable to insufficient drug penetration into the brain.
The estimated incidence of lung cancer worldwide was over 1.6 million in 2008, with over 520,000 cases in China. Lung cancer is the most common cancer both worldwide and in China.
Brain metastases occur in 8-10% of cancer patients and are a significant cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. The most common origins of brain metastasis include primary cancers of the lung, breast, skin and the gastrointestinal tract. Among these, primary tumours of the lung are the most common cause of brain metastasis, as it has been estimated that 50% of patients with lung cancer will ultimately develop brain metastasis. Studies suggest a potential role for EGFR inhibitors in the treatment of brain metastasis, although gefitinib and erlotinib have thus far demonstrated only modest clinical efficacy.
HMP is a novel drug R&D company focusing on discovering, developing and commercialising innovative therapeutics in oncology and autoimmune diseases. With a team of around 200 well-trained employees, its pipeline includes novel oral compounds for cancer and inflammation in development in North America, Europe, Australia and Greater China.
HMP is majority owned by Chi-Med.
Chi-Med is the holding company of a healthcare group based primarily in China and was listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange in May 2006. It is focused on researching, developing, manufacturing and selling pharmaceuticals and health oriented consumer products.
Chi-Med is majority owned by Hutchison Whampoa Limited, an international company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.