YM BioSciences reports preclinical results of CYT387 in multiple myeloma

YM BioSciences Inc. (NYSE Amex: YMI, TSX: YM), today reported preclinical results for its JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor CYT387 in multiple myeloma (MM), published in the advance online edition of Leukemia on July 26, 2011. The results demonstrate that CYT387 can inhibit MM cellular proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner and induce apoptosis (cell death) in human myeloma cell lines (HMCL). Moreover, when used in combination with the conventional anti-MM therapies melphalan and bortezomib, CYT387 synergized in killing HMCL and primary MM tumor cells.

"Our pre-clinical evaluation of CYT387 has demonstrated that this orally bioavailable JAK inhibitor has promising anti-myeloma effects. In particular, the synergy demonstrated by CYT387 with common myeloma therapies bortezomib and melphalan make it a very attractive compound for further study," said Dr. Chris Burns, Chief Scientific Advisor for YM BioSciences and an author of the publication.

"Janus kinases (JAKs) are involved in a range of signaling pathways exploited by malignant cells, so it is not unexpected that our JAK inhibitor shows promise in multiple myeloma," added Dr. Nick Glover, President and CEO of YM BioSciences. "CYT387 continues to demonstrate a promising safety and efficacy profile in an ongoing Phase I/II trial in its lead indication, myelofibrosis. These results demonstrate the greater opportunity for our portfolio of JAK inhibitors to address a potentially broad range of indications beyond myelofibrosis, as well as their suitability to be developed in combination with existing therapies to possibly enhance overall efficacy."