Bexion begins Phase I trial of BXQ-350 to treat advanced solid tumours

US-based biotech company Bexion Pharmaceuticals has begun its Phase I trial of BXQ-350 to treat advanced solid tumours.

BXQ-350 is a synthetically produced, anti-neoplastic therapeutic agent featuring Saposin C (sphingolipid activator protein, or SapC) and the phospholipid, dioleoylphosphatidylserine (DOPS), which is based on a patented, nanovesicle formulation.

A combination of both components targets cells in a tumour mass and kills them.

The Phase I trial has been designed as an open-label, dose-escalation, first in human study intended to determine the maximum tolerate dose (MTD) of BXQ-350 and its safety when administered as a single agent at escalating doses.

The study will involve adult patients with advanced solid tumours and recurrent high-grade gliomas who will be intravenously infused with BXQ-350.

The secondary goals of the study are to test the preliminary antitumour activity of BXQ-350 in solid tumours and recurrent high-grade gliomas.

Bexion founder and CEO Dr Ray Takigiku said: "Dosing our first ever patient with BXQ-350 is a significant milestone for Bexion.

"This trial is designed to study the safety and tolerability of BXQ-350 in patients with advanced solid tumours including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and may yield further insights into the potential anti-tumour activity of BXQ-350."

Results of pre-clinical studies conducted on animals have suggested the efficacy of BXQ-350 in inducing cell death within a variety of cancers.