Tests of a drug that may help inhibit the growth of solid tumors in cancer patients have shown early signs of success, a paper presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Chicago said.
Currently part of a Phase 1 clinical trial, CB-1158 was called a first-in-class arginase inhibitor in a June 5 release from manufacturer Calithera Biosciences Inc. Arginase inhibitors render cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy and to the body’s own anti-cancer activity, the release said.
Calithera President and CEO Susan Molineaux said in the release that results from the 17-subject study indicates near complete inhibition of plasma arginase activity, and she welcomed further verification and research concerning its efficacy.
Although side effects of the medicine in 50-milligram doses have been mild, affecting only a few patients, the release said at 150-milligram doses some patients reported abnormal levels of urinary acids.
