AsianScientist (Sep. 23, 2013) – MicroConstants China Inc. has licensed the China rights for a Phase II liver cancer drug candidate, PTX-9908, from Pertinax Therapeutics of Canada.
MicroConstants China will be responsible for funding the clinical development of PTX-9908 in China. Pertinax will receive a royalty in connection with the sales of the product in China, as well as any future assignment or transfer of the rights.
PTX-9908 is an analog of Stromal Derived Factor-1, a major chemotactic factor that plays a significant role in mediating cell trafficking via selective binding to CXCR4. When PTX-9908 binds to CXCR4, it stops the cancer cells from spreading to other parts of the body (metastasis).
PTX-9908 has been tested in healthy human volunteers and cancer patients in several Phase I/II clinical trials in North America. These studies showed PTX-9908 to be safe and well-tolerated in human and preliminary evidence of efficacy was observed. MicroConstants China will conduct clinical research in China to establish the efficacy, safety and tolerability of PTX-9908 in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma using PTX-9908 infused intravenously.
“Our collaboration with MicroConstants China will enable expedited development of PTX-9908 in China and give us the opportunity to provide a potentially life-saving treatment to a large number of liver cancer patients with limited treatment options,” said Dr. Bev Incledon, president of Pertinax.
“With MicroConstants China’s expertise in global drug development and their GLP/GCP compliance record, I am confident that data generated in China will complement our global development of PTX-9908 for the treatment of other cancers.”
MicroConstants China is a Site Management Organization (SMO) and Contract Research Organization (CRO) located in Beijing, China. Established in 2007 by the president of MicroConstants, Inc. in San Diego, California, MicroConstants China is focused on providing clinical trial management services, regulated bioanalysis, pharmacokinetic studies and quality system consulting to pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
——
Source: MicroConstants China Inc.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
