OncoVista Licenses Phase II Clinical-Stage Drug from OSI Pharmaceuticals

OncoVista, Inc. has announced that it has signed an exclusive, worldwide agreement to license a Phase II clinical candidate, OSI-7904L, from OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. of Melville, NY. Details of the license agreement were not disclosed.

OSI-7904L is a liposomal formulation of a potent inhibitor of the enzyme thymidylate synthase [TS] with unique properties. The liposomal nature of the drug allows a convenient dosing regimen and has a manageable toxicity profile. OSI-7904L has been previously studied in multiple clinical trials, including three Phase II trials in gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer, biliary tract cancer and head & neck cancer.

Alexander L. Weis, CEO of OncoVista, said, “OncoVista intends to continue the clinical development of OSI-7904L, with an initial Phase II trial in either metastatic breast cancer or gastric cancer patients. We believe that the drug can be successfully developed in conjunction with our AdnaGen technology for detecting and monitoring clinically significant biomarkers, which may be used for screening potential clinical trial participants and which may also provide a means of monitoring response to therapy. OncoVista intends to develop this compound to help patients achieve a better outcome with less toxicity.”

OSI-7904L is patent protected until 2021. OncoVista’s current estimates are that the potential market for the drug is on the order of $500 million for a single indication and up to $1 billion for several indications.”

“We’re pleased that the therapeutic potential of OSI-7904L will continue to be explored”, stated David Ghesquiere, Vice President, Corporate and Business Development, OSI Pharmaceuticals. “We believe that OncoVista has the vision, enthusiasm and expertise to advance the development of this promising compound towards regulatory approval and commercialization.”