Encore sees promise with R-flurbiprofen

Encore Pharmaceuticals, a US start-up company, says that its leadcompound, R-flurbiprofen (E-7869), has been shown to be safe in a Phase I clinical trial. In addition, E-7869, which is being developed for the treatment of prostate and colon cancer, is not associated with the gastrointestinal toxicities which are seen with the aryl propionic acid class of drugs, says the firm. This effect is avoided by using a single isomer of the drug; it is the S-enantiomer which is associated with GI toxicity. Encore says that it is in active discussions with multiple US and European-based pharmaceutical companies to partner the development and commercialization of this compound.