Cancer Research UK Case studies
The Formulation Unit is ‘a link in the chain’ of clinical drug development: we can only operate because of the teams working before, alongside and after us in the ‘drug pipeline’ (for example our colleagues in Cancer Research UK's Drug Development Office ). However, because of the high costs associated with clinical studies beyond Phase I/II, successful candidate compounds are passed on to commercial companies.
Listed below are some of the past projects we have been involved in. (Where available Wikipedia references have been linked to the drug names.)
Temozolomide was formulated and manufactured at the Formulation Unit for a Phase I trial in glioma and melanoma. It is now licensed for melanoma and is marketed as Temodar TM /Temodal TM by Schering Plough. Sales of temozolomide reached US $1billion in 2008.
The Phase I study of DMXAA (AS1404 or ASA404) was performed with formulations developed and manufactured at the Formulation Unit. DMXAA (AS1404), is currently in Phase III trials with Antisoma . The results of the Phase II study was reported on the BBC news website .
The Phase I study of PaTrin-2 (Lomeguatrib) was performed with formulations developed and manufactured at the Formulation Unit. This drug has now been acquired by Astra-Zeneca and is in Phase II trials .
The Phase I study of AQ4N (banoxantrone) was performed with formulations developed and manufactured at the Formulation Unit. In early 2008 banoxantrone was reported to have entered Phase II clinical trials with Novacea (now Transcept Pharmaceuticals ).
The Phase I study of 667 Coumate (STX64) were performed with formulations developed and manufactured at the Formulation Unit. STX64 is currently being developed, via further trials, by Ipsen .
The Formulation Unit was involved in the manufacture and/or supply of two drugs (ChiLob 7/4 and carboplatin / decitabine) that recently featured in an article published in the Observer .
The Formulation Unit was involved in supply of the PARP inhibitor recently reported in an article in the New Scientist .
The Formulation Unit carried out the Phase I development work on abiraterone. The results of a Phase III study were reported by the BBC.
