Replies to post #732 on Keryx Biopharmaceuticals Inc fka KERX

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Keryx cancer drug improves survival in mid-stage trial

25.01.2010 15:41
http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2010-01/15971573-update-1-keryx-cancer-drug-improves-survival-in-mid-stage-trial-020.htm

UPDATE 1-Keryx cancer drug improves survival in mid-stage trial

* Says drug shows more than 60 pct improvement in survival

* Mid-stage data also show better time to progression

* Shares rise 13 pct in premarket trade

Jan 25 (Reuters) - Keryx Biopharmaceuticals Inc said a mid-stage trial showed its colon cancer drug improved overall survival in heavily pre-treated patients with advanced metastatic colon cancer, as compared with a dummy drug, sending its shares up 13 percent in premarket trade.

The study enrolled a total of 38 patients, who were either given the drug KRX-0401, or perifosine, in combination with a chemotherapy drug capecitabine, or just capecitabine in combination with a dummy drug. Patients receiving KRX-0401 showed a greater than 60 percent improvement in overall survival and also demonstrated statistically significant advantage for time to progression, the company said in a statement.

However, the patients on the drug showed a higher incidence of adverse events like anemia and hand-foot syndrome as compared with those on the dummy drug.

'We are eager to finalize the design of a Phase 3 protocol in metastatic colorectal cancer within the next 3 months, in consultation with the FDA, and to commence the Phase 3 study as soon as practicable thereafter,' Chief Executive Ron Bentsur said in a statement. Perifosine is currently being tested in another late-stage trial for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

Shares of the company were up 13 percent to $3.11 in premarket trade. They closed at $2.74 Friday on Nasdaq.

(Reporting by Esha Dey in Bangalore; Editing by Ratul Ray Chaudhuri) Keywords: KERYX/

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