INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Chemotherapy causes chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) in a significant number of patients, yet the pharmaceutical landscape is completely devoid of treatments to prevent CIPN. The tingling, burning, pain or numbness in the extremities can limit or stop cancer treatment. And, in half the patients affected, CIPN’s symptoms persist five years or more after treatment ends. Apexian Pharmaceuticals aims to change that with their lead compound, APX3330.
Data presented at the meeting showed continued preclinical support for APX3330 as a potential anti-CIPN treatment, particularly for patients treated with cisplatin or oxaliplatin. Preclinical results presented show APX3330 can block tumor growth while protecting nerve cells.
APX3330, an oral treatment, is currently in a Phase I oncology trial for safety. A Phase II trial is planned in 2019 for anti-tumor and anti-CIPN.
Apexian’s founder and Chief Science Officer, Mark Kelley, PhD, presented the trial’s results in ASCO’s Symptom Management Meeting in San Diego, November 16-18, 2018.
Currently ASCO does not recommend any drug for preventing or treating CIPN.
“CIPN is a disease with high unmet need and it is exciting to see that APX3330 may have a role to play in addressing the need,” says Steve Carchedi, President & CEO of Apexian. “We are committed to developing a portfolio of novel APE1/Ref-1 compounds that will enhance the lives of patients.”
The success of APX3330 builds upon three decades of research by Kelley and his colleagues in modulating a key DNA repair protein, APE1/Ref-1. APX3330 tweaks the protein’s activity to prevent or repair neuronal damage without stimulating cancerous tumors.
APX3330 is Apexian’s lead compound in its growing drug development pipeline.
About Apexian Pharmaceuticals
Apexian Pharmaceuticals is a patient-centered biotechnology company dedicated to developing novel anti-cancer compounds that target the multiple functions of the APE1 protein. Apexian’s research is grounded and driven by the belief that “better is always possible.” Please visit www.ApexianPharma.com for more information.
