S*Bio initiates Ph I/II JAK2 inhibitor trial

Singapore, privately-held biotechnology firm S*BIO Pte has initiated a Phase I/II clinical trial of SB1518, a potent and orally-active JAK2 inhibitor, in leading medical centers in Australia for patients with chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis.

The study is designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of SB1518 in patients with CIMF and is expected to enroll up to 50 patients. The Phase I part will assess the safety profile and evaluate the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic activities of SB1518, and the Phase II component will evaluate the clinical benefits and continue to review the safety profile of the agent. The principal investigators are Andrew Roberts at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and John Seymour at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Australia.

Jan-Anders Karlsson, chief executive of S*BIO, noted: "SB1518's strengths are in its exciting anti-proliferative and anti-tumor activity, as demonstrated by a range of in vitro and in vivo models, as well as its excellent tolerability. We believe this compound may eventually provide oncologists with a much needed and improved option to treat patients suffering from CIMF."