Patrys initiates IST of PAT-SM6 in combination with carfilzomib in multiple myeloma patients

Patrys Limited (ASX: PAB), a clinical stage biotechnology company has today announced that it is initiating an investigator-sponsored trial (IST) evaluating the effectiveness of Patrys’ lead anti-cancer drug PAT-SM6 in combination with carfilzomib, in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM). The trial will be headed by Professor Dr. Hermann Einsele, Director of the Department of Medicine II, University of Würzburg, Germany, and is being funded by Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., an Amgen subsidiary.

Both clinical and preclinical studies of PAT-SM6 conducted to date have shown evidence of activity in patients with relapsed and refractory MM. One of the notable features of PAT-SM6, being demonstrated in the currently-ongoing Phase I/IIa clinical trial, is the lack of serious side-effects in treated patients. This feature of PAT-SM6 may allow it to be safely administered in combination with carfilzomib and may have the potential to improve current treatments for MM. Carfilzomib is a proteasome inhibitor owned by Onyx, and is marketed in the United States (U.S.) under the brand name Kyprolis® (carfilzomib) for Injection. Onyx will provide carfilzomib study drug for the trial.

Patrys CEO, Dr. Marie Roskrow, said: “The opportunity to initiate an IST of PAT-SM6 in combination with Onyx’s carfilzomib is a very exciting and major step forward for Patrys as it provides further external validation of our PAT-SM6 programme.”

Internationally recognised as a leading expert in blood cancers, Professor Dr. Hermann Einsele said: “Given the promising results we are seeing in the current Patrys’ Phase I/IIa MM trial, we are delighted to have the opportunity to further the clinical development of Patrys’ lead product by combining it with carfilzomib. We are very appreciative to Onyx for funding this IST and for strongly supporting the development of therapies for patients with relapsed and refractory MM.”