Bayer HealthCare and Orion Corporation, a pharmaceutical company based in Espoo, Finland, have begun to enroll patients in a Phase III trial with ODM-201, an investigational oral androgen receptor inhibitor in clinical development. The study, called ARAMIS, evaluates ODM-201 in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer who have rising Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels and no detectable metastases. The trial is designed to determine the effects of the treatment on metastasis-free survival (MFS).
"The field of treatment options for prostate cancer patients is evolving rapidly. However, once prostate cancer becomes resistant to conventional anti-hormonal therapy, many patients will eventually develop metastatic disease," said Dr. Joerg Moeller, Member of the Bayer HealthCare Executive Committee and Head of Global Development. "The initiation of a Phase III clinical trial for ODM-201 marks the starting point for a potential new treatment option for patients whose cancer has not yet spread. This is an important milestone for Bayer in our ongoing effort to meet the unmet needs of men affected by prostate cancer."
Earlier this year, Bayer and Orion entered into a global agreement under which the companies will jointly develop ODM-201, with Bayer contributing a major share of the costs of future development. Bayer will commercialize ODM-201 globally, and Orion has the option to co-promote ODM-201 in Europe. Orion will be responsible for the manufacturing of the product.
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