Differentiating EGFR inhibitors

Anti-EGFR drugs for non-small cell lung cancer have been on the market for seven years, but the factors that drive patient response and acquired resistance are still poorly understood. New research presented last week shows that EGFR inhibitors on the market and in development have different propensities for succumbing to resistance due to a specific mutation that accounts for about half of acquired resistance.

Symphony Evolution Inc. believes the data suggest its XL647 could be used prior to other EGFR inhibitors. The company, which was formed by Symphony Capital LLC in 2005 to develop compounds from Exelixis Inc., is looking for a partner to finance Phase III trials...