Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp. (SNTA)

[surf1944]

8:01AM Synta Pharma announces review of ganetespib results in lung cancer; review of GALAXY trial progress suggests Phase 2b stage likely to complete as planned (SNTA) 5.01 : Results showed that ganetespib is active in non-small cell lung cancer; has a favorable safety profile as a monotherapy or in combination with docetaxel; shows evidence of synergy with docetaxel in preclinical models; and has pronounced single-agent clinical activity in ALK+ lung cancer, which is believed to be complementary to, rather than competitive with, direct ALK kinase inhibitors such as crizotinib. Ganetespib is a potent inhibitor of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) that is structurally unrelated to first-generation, ansamycin-family Hsp90 inhibitors. Ganetespib is being evaluated in over 20 clinical trials either ongoing or currently initiating, with the most advanced clinical trial being the Phase 2b/3 GALAXY trial evaluating ganetespib with docetaxel vs. docetaxel alone in patients with advanced NSCLC who have progressed on first-line therapy. A global trial evaluating single-agent ganetespib in approximately 100 patients with ALK+ NSCLC who have not been previously treated with an ALK inhibitor is in the process of initiating. Enrollment of the 240-patient Phase 2b portion of the GALAXY is expected to complete in Q2. Interim results, including landmark PFS, response rate, and disease control rates are expected in Q2; final progression-free survival results, as well as overall survival results, are expected in the second half of 2012.