Antisoma discontinues AS1411 for RCC

Antisoma plc (LSE:ASM) discontinued development of AS1411 to treat renal cell carcinoma after interim data from a Phase II trial showed that the compound's median progression-free survival was inferior to everolimus' PFS of 4.9 months observed in a recent Phase III trial in a similar patient population. The PFS of AS1411 was not disclosed. Antisoma said the trial did show anti-cancer activity of AS1411 with a favorable safety profile, so the company will focus on developing the anti- nucleolin aptamer for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Phase IIb testing in AML is planned to start early next year. The open-label, single-arm, U.S. trial enrolled 35 patients. Antisoma was up 0.50p to 35.50p on Wednesday. ...