Boehringer Ingelheim begins ovarian cancer trial

Boehringer Ingelheim announced this week that it has started a clinical study into one of its ovarian cancer therapies ? the compound BIBF 1120.

The trial will investigate the novel oral anti-angiogenic agent for its efficacy and safety as a first-line treatment in combination with standard chemotherapy.

Vargatef is the planned brand name for the product, which works by simultaneously inhibiting three receptors involved in the formation of the blood vessels that are needed for tumours to develop and spread.

Andreas du Bois, the international coordinating investigator of this trial, commented: “Anti-angiogenic compounds are one of the most promising new approaches in treating cancer, and ovarian cancer appears to be particularly sensitive to these novel agents, as suggested by early clinical trials.”

Meanwhile, Boehringer-Ingelheim revealed last month that Micardis (telmisartan) – its treatment for the reduction of cardiovascular morbidity risk – was approved by the European commission.