Summary
In this issue of Cancer Highlights, BioSeeker Group analyzes the progress made for vascular targeting agents (VTA). You will receive an update on the most recent advances made for vascular targeting agents that are now entering an exciting stage of development. In only a few years time the number of candidates has been doubled, expanding from a handful of drugs to more than twenty. Several of these have entered clinical evaluation. Earlier and most talked of candidates still remain at the top. However, the list of emerging competitors is growing and at least seven new VTAs have recently entered clinic settings. Not so far away, there are also several vascular targeting agents that are on the brim of initiating Phase I trials.
Vascular targeting agents with the longest clinical experience are the small molecular drugs that mediate their action on the tubulin cytoskeleton. In review of 2004, several companies have announced progression on existing studies. In addition two new Phase II trials and two new Phase I trials have been launched. Several companies have made announcements of plans to initiate new trials during 2005. A few candidates are now in planning for Phase III trial studies.
Despite compelling preclinical data, the conjugated antibodies have been delayed in comparison to the small molecule approaches. Trial initiation is thus long overdue for many. We have devoted an entire section of this Highlight to "Monoclonal antibodies as Delivery Vehicles" where the progression for several of the most important conjugated antibodies is outlined. One of these antibodies is already in Phase I and for which plans are laid for Phase II during 2005.
The close relation between vascular targeting and anti-angiogenesis also make it possible for new competitors to enter the scene in near future. One relative large company, with a strong anti-angiogenesis antibody portfolio, has already announced to hold a vascular targeting antibody in early stage of development.
In total BioSeeker Group has identified 26 different therapies that have been developed utilizing vascular targeting strategies:
3G4, ABT-751, AVE8062A, AZD4440, BCH-19746, BCH-23541, CA4P, DMXAA, E4G10, EndoTAG-1, EndoTAG-2, Exherin, ILX-651, MLN2704, MLN591, MLN591RL, MN-029, MX116407, NPI-2358, OXi4503, OXi6197, OXi8009, Tarvacin, TZT-1027, VEGF121/rGel, ZD6126
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