Encouraging results from Semafore Pharmaceuticals' SF1126 Phase I dose-escalation trial for myeloma

Dec 8 2009

Semafore Pharmaceuticals today reported encouraging data from a Phase I dose-escalation trial of SF1126 in patients with relapsed and refractory myeloma. SF1126 is a novel small molecule inhibitor of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), two key members of the PI3K signaling pathway that is vital to several essential biological processes, such as cell proliferation and survival. PI3K is commonly altered in human cancers, making inhibition of the target attractive for cancer therapy. Data were presented during the 51st American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA.

“The data from this trial demonstrates that SF1126 suppresses the pathway in tumor cells at well-tolerated doses,” said Principal Investigator, Sagar Lonial, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, at the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University. “We are encouraged by these preliminary results which support a dose level to move into follow-on combination studies.”

"Both the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), through its Biotech Investment Award program (LEAD), and the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC) are proud to have contributed to this trial as it aligns with our commitment to expand the portfolio of treatment options for multiple myeloma patients - especially those aimed at effectively treating patients who have suffered a relapse," said Kathy Giusti, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the MMRF and MMRC, and a myeloma patient.