• In development by cancer specialists Chroma Therapeutics
• Positive data from latest Phase II study
• Royalties due on future sales

Orally active CHR2797 (tosedostat) has been shown to halt cell growth and cause apoptosis (cell death) in a large number of cancer cell lines, without seeming to have any adverse impact on normal healthy cells.

CHR2797 (tosedostat) is a once daily, orally active aminopeptidase inhibitor which has been shown to halt cell growth or cause apoptosis (cell death) in a large number of cancer cell lines without having any impact on normal cells. It is in development by Chroma Therapeutics, a specialist cancer research company, and Vernalis will receive royalties on future sales.

CHR2797 (tosedostat) has successfully completed a number of pre-clinical studies that demonstrated proof of concept.

Chroma has undertaken Phase I and II clinical studies and in December 2008 announced positive data from a Phase II study in the treatment of patients with haematological malignancies. Final results from the OPAL Phase II study were announced in December 2011 which demonstrated a significant response rate in elderly patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia.

In March 2011 Chroma signed a licensing deal for North Central and South America with Cell Therapeutics, Inc. who intend to progress CHR2797 (tosedostat) into Phase III studies of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in Q4 2011.  Pre-clinical studies completed. Phase I and II clinical studies have been undertaken by Chroma.

In March 2011 Chroma announced a licensing deal with Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (CTI) for North, Central and South America along with the news that CHR2797 (tosedostat) has been granted orphan drug status by the US FDA and EMA. CTI will now be responsible for further development and Phase III studies are targetted to start in H1 2012.  Vernalis will receive royalties on future sales.