CuraGen Corporation (CRGN)

[scstocks]

CuraGen Drug Fails Midstage Study
Thursday October 11, 7:41 am ET
CuraGen Drug for Cancer Treatment Side Effect Fails Midstage Study, Program Discontinued


BRANFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Biotechnology company CuraGen Corp. said Thursday its drug candidate velafermin, aimed at preventing mouth ulcerations in cancer patients, failed in a midstage study and that it's discontinuing its development.
The drug was being tested as a treatment to prevent oral mucositis, a condition in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. The lining of the throat become damaged by the treatment and ulcers can form.

Based on the Phase II clinical trial results, the company said it will discontinue the drug's development. It will focus on developing belinostat, aimed at treating solid tumors and malignancies. That drug candidate is now in Phase II clinical trials.

Shares of CuraGen fell 14 cents, or 9.7 percent, to $1.31 in premarket trading.


http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071011/curagen_study.html?.v=1