Enzon Pharmaceuticals initiates treatment in PEG-SN38 Phase 1 study for pediatric cancer patients

Feb 24 2010

Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENZN) today announced that the first patient has been treated in the Phase 1 study of PEG-SN38 for pediatric cancer patients. PEG-SN38 or EZN-2208 is Enzon’s PEGylated form of SN38, the active metabolite of the cancer drug Camptosar^® (irinotecan HCl injection). The study is designed to find the recommended dose of PEG-SN38 in pediatric patients. The PEG-SN38 compound is currently being evaluated in Phase 2 studies for metastatic colorectal and breast cancer.

“We are excited about the potential PEG-SN38 can have in the pediatric setting”

"We are excited about the potential PEG-SN38 can have in the pediatric setting,” said Ivan Horak, Enzon's president of research and development. "Given PEG-SN38’s safety profile and the unmet medical need in pediatric patients, this compound may play an important role in the future treatment of children who have cancer.”

“Currently, there are very few treatment options available for children suffering from recurrent cancer. We are excited to be taking this important first step in evaluating the novel PEG-SN38 compound with the long-term hope of improving the outcome for children with cancer,” said Dr. Ro Bagatell, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.