 |
PDF »
July 11, 2006
Cougar Biotechnology Announces Initiation of Phase I trial for CB7630 (Abiraterone Acetate)
Los Angeles, CA, July 11, 2006 - Cougar Biotechnology, Inc, a biotechnology company focused on acquiring and developing oncology drug candidates, today announced that the first patient has been enrolled in a Phase I trial of the Company's drug candidate CB7630 (abiraterone acetate), an orally active inhibitor of the steroidal enzyme 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20 lyase, for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.
The Phase I trial of CB7630 will be conducted at the University of California San Francisco Comprehensive Cancer Center with Charles J. Ryan, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, as the principal investigator of the trial. The study is an open label, dose escalating study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CB7630 administered daily to patients with chemotherapy-naïve hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) with a rising PSA (prostate specific antigen) despite hormonal therapy. "We are pleased to be able to begin enrolling patients in this Phase I study," said Dr. Ryan. "Inhibition of 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20 lyase represents a promising new approach to the treatment of HRPC and CB7630 may be able to offer clinical benefit to HRPC patients."
Dr. Arie Belldegrun, MD, FACS, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cougar Biotechnology said, "Although several important cancer drugs have been approved in recent years, HRPC continues to be a market that is underserved by current therapies. Improved understanding of the basic biology leading to HRPC offers now new opportunities for drug development. CB7630 therefore could represent an important second line hormonal therapy for patients with advanced prostate cancer who fail first-line hormonal treatment." Alan H. Auerbach, Chief Executive Officer and President of Cougar Biotechnology added "Initiating the Phase I clinical trial of CB7630 at UCSF is an important milestone for the Company and complements the Phase I trial of the drug that is currently ongoing in the United Kingdom. We are pleased to be able to achieve this milestone and look forward to the further advancement of the clinical development of CB7630."
About Cougar Biotechnology
Cougar Biotechnology, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based, public reporting biotechnology company established to in-license and develop clinical stage drugs, with a specific focus on the field of oncology. Cougar's oncology portfolio includes CB7630, a targeted inhibitor of the 17-alpha hydroxylase/c17,20 lyase enzyme which is currently being evaluated in Phase I clinical trials in prostate cancer; CB3304, an inhibitor of microtubule dynamics which is currently in a Phase I trial in hematological malignancies and CB1089, an analog of vitamin D which has been clinically tested in a number of solid tumor types.
Further information about Cougar Biotechnology can be found at www.cougarbiotechnology.com.
Contact
Alan H. Auerbach
Cougar Biotechnology, Inc.
+1 310 943 8040
ahauerbach@cougarbiotechnology.com
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause Cougar's actual results and experiences to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "believes," "intends," and similar words or phrases. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from these statements. Among other things, there can be no assurances that any of Cougar's development efforts relating to its product candidates will be successful. Other risks that may affect forward-looking information contained in this press release include the possibility of being unable to obtain regulatory approval of Cougar's product candidates, the risk that the results of clinical trials may not support Cougar's claims, Cougar's reliance on third-party researchers to develop its product candidates, and its lack of experience in developing and commercializing pharmaceutical products. Additional risks are described in the company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 7, 2006. Cougar assumes no obligation to update these statements, except as required by law.
| | |
Cougar Biotechnology, Inc.
10990 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1200
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 943-8040 Main
(310) 943-8059 Fax |
