On January 7, 2015 Stemline Therapeutics reported that it has exclusively licensed from CanBas the rights to develop and commercialize a novel, oral small molecule reversible inhibitor of Exportin-1 (XPO1), a nuclear transport target also known as Chromosome Region Maintenance-1 (CRM1) (Press release Stemline Therapeutics, JAN 7, 2015, View Source [SID:1234501295]). Stemline has acquired worldwide rights with the exception of Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China. Stemline will now refer to the compound as SL-801.

Recent work has demonstrated that XPO1 is a clinically relevant target, and nuclear export inhibitors have emerged as a new approach in cancer treatment with activity in patients across multiple indications. Given that SL-801 is a novel reversible inhibitor of XPO1, we believe it has the potential to offer a broad therapeutic window with dosing and scheduling flexibility. SL-801 has demonstrated preclinical anti-cancer activity, including efficacy and safety in animal models, across a wide array of solid and hematologic cancers. Stemline expects to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in 2015.

Eric Rowinsky, M.D., Stemline’s Chief Medical Officer and Head of Research and Development commented, “CanBas’ foundational work created a novel potent inhibitor of XPO1 with a number of unique attributes, including reversibility of XPO1 inhibition, which we believe may enhance clinical efficacy and safety.” Dr. Rowinsky concluded, “As we continue to progress SL-401 and SL-701 through multiple clinical trials, we also plan to advance SL-801 into the clinic in several strategic indications.”