On August 30, 2001 Antisoma plc, the UK-based biopharmaceutical company developing novel targeted cancer therapies, reported that it has in-licensed DMXAA, a vascular targeting agent, from Cancer Research Ventures Limited ("CRV"), a global cancer technology transfer company created by the Cancer Research Campaign ("CRC") (Press release, Cancer Research Technology, AUG 30, 2001, View Source [SID1234523474]). The product, which has already completed two Phase I studies, brings the number of products Antisoma has in clinical development to four.

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Vascular targeting agents have significant potential to selectively restrict the blood flow to a tumour that would otherwise feed its growth. Additionally, DMXAA appears to cause the blood vessels to release substances such as tumour necrosis factor and interferons which may make the tumour more sensitive to other chemotherapeutic agents.

DMXAA was discovered by Professors Bruce Baguley and William Denny and their teams at the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre ("ACSRC"), University of Auckland, New Zealand. In extensive pre-clinical studies carried out by the ACSRC, DMXAA, when used in combination with a number of other anti-cancer agents, particularly taxanes, was seen to control the growth of tumours in animal models and, in several cases, to eradicate them.

"It is still at an early stage, and we have a long way to go before we know what human tumours it may be most effective in, but the results so far have been very promising," Professor Baguley said. "A single dose of DMXAA in combination with another chemotherapeutic agent caused tumours to disappear at a rate we have not seen before."

Dose-ranging, Phase I clinical trials, sponsored by the CRC in the UK and in New Zealand, have provided safety data and indicate that DMXAA causes a reduction in tumour blood flow when used alone.

Glyn Edwards, Antisoma’s Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"This fascinating approach to tumour control further broadens our clinical pipeline. DMXAA has tremendous potential to treat established solid tumours, which comprise a major proportion of all diagnosed cancer. As a small molecule it further diversifies our portfolio. We hope to complete Phase I testing of DMXAA alone and start Phase Ib studies using DMXAA in combination with chemotherapy by the end of 2002."

CRV’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Guy Wood-Gush, added: "This deal is an excellent example of how CRV works with partners on a global basis. We have brought together a commercially experienced partner, Antisoma, and an important new drug discovered by scientists in New Zealand, supported by data from Phase I clinical trials run by the CRC. This clearly illustrates CRV’s key role in the worldwide market for early stage cancer products and CRV’s strong growth prospects."

Antisoma acquired exclusive worldwide rights to DMXAA in exchange for an upfront consideration of £700,000 inclusive of an equity component, as well as future milestones and royalties.