Iceni Pharmaceuticals launches as new company
The firm will focus on repurposing therapies in the field of oncology
Iceni Pharmaceuticals has been established in Midlothian, Scotland to focus on developing repurposed and reformulated cancer therapies.
The company’s lead product, Cilcane (generic name cilengitide), is being repurposed by the firm as a treatment for multiple myeloma. Iceni says it has demonstrated in pre-clinical studies that Cilcane is effective as a combination therapy when given with proteasome inhibitors such as bortezomib, and that this approach may also be applicable to breast and other cancers.
Iceni has a broad intellectual property portfolio covering the formulation and methods of use of Cilcane. Cilengitide was formerly in late-stage clinical trials in glioblastoma with Merck Serono.
Iceni is planning a Phase II safety/efficacy trial of Cilcane next year targeting relapsed refractory patients who have already received one previous therapy of proteasome inhibitor.
The company has appointed several leading authorities on cilengitide and multiple myeloma to its scientific advisory board, including former Merck Serono employees such as Annalisa Jenkins, previously Head of Global Research & Development when cilengitide was in development and Dr Bruno Osterwalder, previously Senior VP (Oncology).
In addition, the scientific advisory board will include Gareth Morgan, Professor of Medicine and Pathology and Director of the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), one of the world’s foremost myeloma treatment centres and Prof. Dr Horst Kessler, Munich Technical University, and a named inventor of cilengitide.
Iceni Pharmaceuticals' Chief Executive Dr John March said: 'We are excited by the prospect of repurposing cilengitide as a novel combination therapy for the treatment of multiple myeloma and building on its established safety profile to improve the clinical outcome and quality of life of patients. Our prestigious team of world-renowned scientific advisors are testament to the belief in the product and its potential.'
