First Singapore Developed Cancer Drug In Phase I Trials

SB939, a cancer drug developed in Singapore, has shown encouraging results in Phase 1 trials, and will now be tested in patients with advanced lung cancer.

AsianScientist (Mar. 19, 2011) – SB939, the first cancer drug developed in Singapore, has shown encouraging results in Phase 1 of its human clinical trials. Proof-of-concept trials in patients with advanced lung cancer will be conducted by clinicians from the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) and the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI), NUS.

The team had earlier conducted the drug’s Phase 1 trial, in conjunction with the compound’s developer and owner, local biotechnology company S*BIO Pte Ltd. The primary objective of the Phase 1 study was to assess the safety and tolerability of SB939 and to recommend a dose for Phase 2 trials.

The study showed that SB939 was well tolerated by patients with advanced cancer. Some patients in the Phase I trial also showed better than expected tumor growth control with few and minor side effects.

Director, Haematology-Oncology Research Group, NCIS and lead investigator Assoc Prof Goh Boon Cher said:

“SB939’s high potency, good oral bioavailability and tolerability demonstrate its potential to bring additional therapeutic benefits and when combined with other anti-cancer therapies has the potential to treat the major cancers affecting Singaporeans such as lung cancer.”

Added Dr. Goh, who is also the leader of the Experimental Therapeutics Program and Deputy Director at CSI Singapore:

“SB939 is significant as it demonstrates how far Singapore has progressed in the field of biotechnology drug research. To be able to develop and test a cancer drug from scratch to its current stage is testament to the capabilities of the research team, and the excellent infrastructure and resources at NCIS, CSI Singapore and S*BIO.”

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Source: National University of Singapore.
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