Monday, Albany Molecular Research Inc. (AMRI) said it initiated the Phase I study of tubulin inhibitor ALB109564(a) designed to kill cancer cells by preventing cell division.
The semi-synthetic derivate from Madagascar periwinkle flower will be administered intravenously to 40 cancer patients with advanced solid tumors. The trial conducted in four clinical sites will evaluate safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of the drug candidate. The study will be extended for a period of nine to twelve months.
The company expects that the first clinical step will lead to a new weapon in the fight against cancer. Earlier, the company has announced the initiation of Phase I clinical testing of a compound by Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) from AMRI's central nervous system research program. Thus ALB109564(a) marks the second compound from AMRI's internally funded R&D portfolio to advance into Phase I clinical testing.
AMRI is currently trading at $17.95, up $0.31 or 1.76% on a volume of 41K shares.
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