Cantex Pharmaceuticals has commenced an investigator-initiated Phase II clinical trial evaluating azeliragon capsule together with stereotactic radiosurgery in brain metastases patients.

The study is designed to determine whether the combined therapy can eliminate the use of dexamethasone for controlling swelling in the brain.

Safety and effectiveness of the combined therapy will also be evaluated in the study.

Cantex CEO Stephen Marcus said: “We are very excited to initiate enrolment into this important clinical trial.

“With the initiation of this Phase II clinical trial, Cantex expands the cancer indications for which azeliragon is being investigated, which now include active Phase II clinical trials in glioblastoma, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and a Phase II/III clinical trial in hospitalised Covid-19 patients to prevent acute kidney injury, accelerating azeliragon’s development as a treatment of very aggressive and difficult to treat cancers and other illnesses.”

Azeliragon blocks the interaction of S100A9 protein with receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) thereby restoring sensitivity to radiation therapy.

It was discovered by vTv Therapeutics and is originally under development for Alzheimer’s disease. Cantex licensed global rights to azeliragon.

Recently, vTv Therapeutics announced plans to commence a Phase III clinical trial of cadisegliatin for treating type 1 diabetes.

Cadisegliatin, a liver-selective glucokinase activator, is indicated as an adjunct therapy along with insulin for reducing the number of hypoglycaemic events.

vTv also plans to expand the drug indications in treating type 2 diabetes, glioblastoma, primary mitochondrial myopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary and renal diseases.