ILX-651 enters Phase II studies in patients with metastatic melanoma

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, Jan-Feb, 2004

Ilex Oncology has initiated a Phase II study on the effect its anticancer compound ILX-651 has on metastatic melanoma. ILX-651 is a synthetic pentapeptide analog of the natural substance dolastatin and has a unique mechanism of action targeting tubulin. ILX-651 has been chemically modified to provide improved pharmacologic properties and is orally bioavailable with a potentially enhanced therapeutic window. The Phase II study will examine the efficacy and tolerability of ILX-651 in patients with recurrent or metastatic melanoma at 19 sites throughout the country. Preliminary results from an earlier study show that the agent was active in a range of solid tumors.

ILEX acquired exclusive worldwide rights to ILX-651 in 2000 from BASF Pharma in Germany.