The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and Shape Pharmaceuticals announced today that they have entered into a partnership to advance Shape's novel, topical treatment for cutaneous T-Cell lymphoma (CTCL) into clinical development. The compound, SHP-141, is a first-in-class topical histone deacetylase inhibitor with the potential to treat both early- and late-stage CTCL.
Through the partnership, LLS will provide funding of up to $3.3 million through its Therapy Acceleration Program (TAP) to support the remaining preclinical studies needed for an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) and a first-in-man randomized Phase 1b study in CTCL patients. The clinical trial is expected to enroll patients in early 2011. HealthCare Ventures, which is financing Shape, is providing further funding in connection with the alliance, marking the first time that LLS is partnering directly with a venture firm to support the development of a therapy to benefit patients suffering from blood cancers.
Shape's product, SHP-141, was discovered by LLS-funded researcher James Bradner, M.D. of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Ralph Mazitschek, Ph.D. of Massachusetts General Hospital and previously of Harvard University and the Broad Institute of Harvard University and MIT. Together, Drs. Bradner and Mazitschek founded Shape in 2008 with funding and management from HealthCare Ventures.
"Histone deacetylase inhibition has emerged in recent years as an important mechanism for treating CTCL. With its unique chemistry and safety profile, SHP-141 represents an exciting potential treatment option for patients suffering from CTCL. Through TAP, LLS is committed to supporting companies like Shape in the development of drugs that have strong therapeutic impact potential for patients with blood cancer," said Louis J. DeGennaro, LLS chief mission officer.
"We are very honored that The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society recognizes the potential of SHP-141 and is making a substantial investment with HealthCare Ventures in bringing this important new potential product to CTCL patients," said Douglas E. Onsi, Managing Director of HealthCare Ventures and President and CEO of Shape Pharmaceuticals. "Shape is committed to supporting the mission of LLS to help patients with limited therapeutic options through the development of innovative treatments."
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