Kerentech

Says drug shows more than 60 pct improvement in survival

Keryx Biopharmaceuticals Inc (KERX.O) 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.