Collaborative NSCLC Treatment Begins Phase I/II Study

The Debiopharm Group and Curis, Inc (NASDAQ:CRIS) announced this morning the beginning of a Phase I/II clinical study of Debiopharm’s development-stage Debio 0932, a second-generation HSP90 inhibitor. The drug is being tested in combination with traditional chemotherapy agents against Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). The Phase I portion of the study, called HALO, will determine the recommended dosage of Debio 0932 before a Phase II study can be initiated. Although a commercialization timeframe is years away, should the compound prove efficacy, and safety in later trials, it will be entering a crowding treatment space. Peregrine Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:PPHM) is testing lead compound Bavituximab for the treatment of NSCLC, with Phase II trial data due this year (see previous coverage here). Isis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ISIS) began a Phase II study of ISIS-EIF4E in 2010 for the treatment of NSCLC. A number of treatments indicated for sold tumors in general are due to hit the market within the next few years. Shares of Curis are likely to move higher today on investor sentiment, although the data will have little impact fundamentally.