LA JOLLA, Calif., Nov. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
today announced that it has initiated a pilot phase II clinical trial for
patients with a specific type of brain tumor, glioblastoma multiforme. The
clinical trial will evaluate the matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibitor
prinomastat in combination with chemotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed
glioblastoma multiforme following surgery and radiation therapy.
In this multi-center pilot study, patients with newly diagnosed
glioblastoma multiforme that have undergone resection surgery and radiation
therapy will be randomized to receive prinomastat or placebo in tablet form in
combination with Temodar(R) (temozolomide). The objectives of this study are
to assess trends in efficacy and safety of prinomastat in combination with
temozolomide.
Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most aggressive forms of brain
tumors. Current treatment for glioblastoma is surgery and radiotherapy that
is frequently followed by chemotherapy; however the prognosis of glioblastoma
multiforme continues to be poor, and new treatments are needed.
Prinomastat is an orally active, small synthetic molecule designed to
potently and selectively inhibit certain members of a family of enzymes known
as matrix metalloproteases that scientists believe to be involved in tumor
angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis. Based on their mechanism of action,
MMP inhibitors may prove to have potential in reducing the invasiveness of
malignant brain tumor cells. In preclinical tumor models, prinomastat has
been shown to potently inhibit angiogenesis (the formation of new blood
vessels which feed growing tumors), tumor invasion, and metastasis.
The most common side effects of prinomastat have been observed in the
joints, and include joint stiffness, joint swelling, and in a few patients,
some limits on the mobility of certain joints, most often in the shoulders and
hands. All of these effects were reported to be reversible and were
effectively managed by treatment rests and dose reductions.
In addition to this study in glioblastoma multiforme, Phase III clinical
trials are also being conducted throughout North America, Europe, and
Australia evaluating prinomastat in late stage non-small cell lung cancer and
hormone refractory prostate cancer in combination with chemotherapy. For more
information regarding Agouron's clinical trials, please call toll-free
1-888-849-6482.
Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner-Lambert
Company (NYSE: WLA), is an integrated pharmaceutical company committed to the
discovery, development and commercialization of innovative therapeutic
products engineered to inactivate proteins that play key roles in cancer,
AIDS, and other serious diseases.
SOURCE Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.agouron.com
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http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/019650.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 019650
CONTACT:
Media, Joy Schmitt, Associate Director,
Product Public Relations, 858-622-3220, or Sonia Anchundo, Public
Relations Associate, 858-622-7340, both of Agouron
Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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