Avalon initiates phase II trial of AVN944 in pancreatic cancer

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Oncology NEWS InternationalOncology NEWS International Vol 16 No 8
Volume 16
Issue 8

Avalon initiates phase II trial of AVN944 in pancreatic cancer

GERMANTOWN, Maryland—Avalon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has initiated a phase II clinical trial of AVN944 in combination with gemcitabine (Gemzar) in patients with newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer. After a dose-escalation phase, approximately 110 to 120 patients will be enrolled in an efficacy and safety phase. AVN944 is an oral small molecule agent that inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), an enzyme that is critical for cells to be able to synthesize guanosine triphosphate (GTP), a molecule required for DNA synthesis and cellular signaling.

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