Roche and Kosan Biosciences select compound for phase II trial

Roche and Kosan Biosciences have announced the selection of a compound for a phase II clinical trial. The companies have chosen second-generation epothilone R1645 to test for safety and efficacy in a range of solid tumour types.

The compound is designed to have improved safety and efficacy with an enhanced pharmaceutical profile. It has been well tolerated in phase I trials and showed activity against non-small cell lung and ovarian cancers.

Despite the exhibition of significant response rates in metastatic and non-small cell lung cancers, Roche and Kosan have decided to end their development of first-generation R1492 and instead focus on R1645.

Peter Hug, global head of pharma partnering for Roche, said: “Phase I results encouraged us to support the expanded clinical development of R1645.”

He added that the firm looked forward to working with Kosan on the phase II development of the compound.

Kosan reports that the compound combines the top characteristics of its proprietary epothilone D class with those of other epothilones, resulting in a well-tolerated anticancer pharmaceutical.

Last month, Roche announced that the combined treatment of Avastin with paclitaxel chemotherapy, had received a positive recommendation from the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use.