Recently, Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (HGSI) and Aegera Therapeutics announced the initiation of dosing in a phase I clinical trial to evaluate the safety and tolerability of its lead inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein (IAP), HGS1029, as monotherapy in patients with advanced lymphoid tumors. An additional phase I clinical trial of the compound is being conducted to evaluate its safety and tolerability in patients with advanced solid tumors. Earlier in December 2007, Human Genome acquired exclusive worldwide rights (excluding Japan) to develop and commercialize HGS1029 and other IAPs from Aegera Therapeutics. The primary objectives of the phase I open-label, dose-escalation study include the evaluation of safety and tolerability of HGS1029 as monotherapy in patients with advanced lymphoid tumors and selection of a recommended dose for further studies. In addition, secondary objectives include studying possible anti-tumor activity and determining the compound’s pharmacokinetic profile. The drug is to be administered as ...

Provectus Pharmaceuticals Inc., a development-stage oncology and dermatology biopharmaceutical company, has initiated a Phase 1 study of their drug – PV-10 – for liver cancer. The study will enroll up to six subjects with cancer metastatic to the liver or with recurrent liver cancer. The same drug is currently undergoing Phase 2 study for metastatic melanoma.

The primary objective of the open-label study is to determine the safety and tolerability of a single intralesional injection of PV-10 in patients with liver cancer. Additional objectives are to assess the distribution and retention of PV-10 in the injected lesion, tumor response and viability, and plasma pharmacokinetics of the drug following intralesional injection.

The CEO of Provectus, Dr. Craig Dees, PhD, spoke about the Phase 1 trial, “We hope to demonstrate that PV-10, which has shown excellent selectivity for melanoma, will be a viable therapeutic for liver cancer and cancers metastatic to the liver.”

The

...

Senesco Technologies Inc. secured additional financing to continue research into genetic technologies designed to deter apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in humans. This technology is applicable in many different diseases including cancer, glaucoma, and cardiovascular problems.

The financing will come in three pieces and will total $705,000. The company will issue 783,332 shares of its common stock at $0.90 per share, and two separate warrant issues.

The first warrant will grant the right to purchase up to 705,000 shares of common stock, at an exercise price of $0.01 per share, exercisable immediately. The balance of the warrants will grant the right to purchase up to 714,794 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.60 per share. These warrants are exercisable 6 months from the date of issuance.

Cato Holding Company, one of the purchasers of the stock and warrants, has also agreed to cancel $175,000 of

...

The cancer biotech space has attracted the interest of investors, traders, and diversified healthcare giants this year with Johnson & Johnson [JNJ: 55.50, +0.34 (+0.62%)] announcing a $1B cash tender offer for Cougar Biotech [CGRB: 42.87, -0.12 (-0.28%)] last week and Roche’s [ROG: 17.67, +0.61 (+3.58%)] [RHHBY: 0.00, N/A (N/A)] mega-deal to acquire full control of Genentech earlier this year. In addition, positive clinical trial results for Dendreon’s [DNDN: 23.2099, +0.5399 (+2.38%)] Provenge and stock price turnarounds from the brink of zero at Cell Therapeutics [CTIC: 1.60, +0.17 (+11.89%)] have fueled interest in the small and micro-cap cancer bio-pharma space among investors and traders looking for the next big trade.

Access Pharma [ACCP: 0.00, N/A (N/A)] is an emerging bio-pharma company which is focusing on the development of a late-stage, diversified oncology pipeline in addition to

...

EpiCept Corporation, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on cancer and pain treatment, has announced third quarter and year-to-date operating and financial results. Figures show a significant reduction in stated loss as the company continues its push to move products into the marketplace.

EpiCept showed a 19% improvement in third quarter figures, posting a net loss of $6.2 million compared to a net loss of $7.7 million for the same quarter last year. For the nine months ending September 30, the company posted a loss of $20.0 million, compared to $22.4 million for the same period last year, a 10% improvement.

EpiCept President and CEO, Jack Talley, commented on the company’s recent accomplishments and goals. “During the third quarter and subsequently, we were acutely focused on securing European regulatory approval for Ceplene®. We were delighted when our efforts proved to be successful with a final, favorable outcome announced last month. We

...

We are excited about Cleveland BioLabs, Inc. (CBLI) robust pipeline of clinical candidates, its unique positioning, and the immense market potential if the company can successfully develop and commercialize the compounds. We maintain our Buy rating on the stock.

Our recommendation is based on the company’s attractive and unique medley of compounds which represent solid market potential. The company has developed the Protectan and the Curaxin series of compounds based on the concept of apoptosis or, programmed cell death. These compounds may find usage in a wide range of markets from cancer treatment to biodefense to tissue protection.

These compounds may also double up as a second-line treatment for patients failing treatment with G-CSF and aid in reducing the side effects associated with cancer treatment. Additionally, the safety profile exhibited by these compounds in preclinical and animal studies along with the expedited development status granted to them further enhances our

...