New Cancer Drug in Phase 3 Trials

[Christine]

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2007/08 ... tner=email

PARIS (Thomson Financial) - Sanofi-Aventis and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc have begun two phase 3 trials of a jointly-developed drug on patients with prostate cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.

Aflibercept is an anti-angiogenic agent targeting Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). It is designed to be used in conjunction with chemotherapy regimens.

The two trials will be double-blind and placebo-controlled, Regeneron said.

Sanofi-Aventis will provide an update of the broad-based clinical development programme planned for the drug as well as further details on the trials at its research and development day on September 17.

Sanofi-Aventis said in June it would start seeking regulatory approval as early as next year to market the drug.