TARRYTOWN, N.Y., April 24, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:PGNX) an oncology company focused on the development of innovative approaches to targeting and treating prostate cancer, announced today the completion of enrollment in the chemotherapy naïve cohort in its Phase II trial of PSMA ADC. This cohort of 36 chemotherapy naïve prostate cancer patients, all of whom progressed on hormonal therapies, was added to the Phase II trial following positive response to PSMA ADC in patients in the chemotherapy experienced setting.
"We look forward to seeing the response to PSMA ADC in the chemo naive patients, as this compound may be of benefit to men earlier in their treatment cycle," said Daniel Petrylak, M.D., Professor of Medical Oncology at Yale Cancer Center, Clinical Research Program Leader for the Prostate and Urologic Cancers Program at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven, and lead investigator on the Phase II trial.
About PSMA ADC
Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), a protein that is a validated biomarker of prostate cancer, is expressed on the surface of prostate cancer cells as well as on blood vessels supplying other solid tumors. PSMA ADC comprises a fully human monoclonal antibody selectively targeting PSMA linked to a chemotherapeutic drug. Using technology licensed from Seattle Genetics, Inc., the PSMA antibody is linked to monomethyl auristatin E, a compound that inhibits cell proliferation by disrupting the cellular "backbone" (i.e. microtubules) required for replication. The resultant antibody-drug conjugate attaches to the PSMA protein on the surface of prostate cancer cells and is designed to internalize into the cancer cell, release active anti-cancer drug, and destroy the malignant cell. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, PSMA ADC is designed to deliver the drug selectively to prostate cancer cells by targeting PSMA.
About Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer affecting men in the United States: an estimated one in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 240,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and about 30,000 men will die of the disease this year. Approximately 2 million men in the U.S. currently count themselves among prostate cancer survivors.
About Progenics
Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is developing innovative medicines for oncology, with a pipeline that includes several product candidates in late-stage clinical development. Progenics' first-in-class PSMA targeted technology platform includes an antibody drug conjugate therapeutic in a phase 2 trial, and a small molecule targeted imaging agent that just completed a phase 2 trial. Among other assets in its pipeline of targeted radiotherapy and molecular imaging compounds is Azedra™, an ultra-orphan radiotherapy candidate also in a phase 2 study under an SPA. Progenics' first commercial product, Relistor® (methylnaltrexone bromide) for opioid-induced constipation, is partnered with and marketed by Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. For additional information, please visit www.progenics.com.
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For more information, please visit www.progenics.com.