The European Commission (EC) has granted Cephalon marketing authorization for Effentora to treat breakthrough cancer pain. The drug has been selling in the U.S. under the trade name Fentora (fentanyl buccal tablets) since 2006 and is now under FDA screening for the treatment of other conditions associated with breakthrough pain, including neuropathic pain or lower back pain.

Data presented by Celldex Therapeutics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AVANT Immunotherapeutics, from its Phase 2 ACT II study in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) indicated that temozolomide, the standard chemotherapy agent for this disease, may potentiate the effect of AVANT’s vaccine candidate, CDX-110. All patients vaccinated with CDX-110 in the Phase 2a ACT II extension study showed a tumor-specific immune response, a significant improvement over previous vaccines and over CDX-110 alone.

Pre-clinical studies conducted by Yale scientists have indicated that the NV-128 compound can induce the death of chemo-resistant ovarian cancer cells by halting the activation of a protein pathway called mTOR. mTOR signals enhance tumor growth in cancerous cells and inhibition of mTOR could shut down many of these survival pathways, including proteins that protect the mitochondria of cancer cells. NV-128, developed by Novogen Limited, holds promise as a more targeted therapy for ovarian cancer because it works differently from traditional therapies that are dependent on enzymes, known as caspases, to trigger cell death.

Novartis Inc has initiated the Phase III trial for its non-small cell lung cancer drug, ASA404, designed to selectively reduce blood supply to tumors. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study, named ATTRACT-1, is designed to evaluate ASA404 in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin as first-line treatment for locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is set to honor individuals who have consistently worked towards making tremendous advancements in the field of cancer. Among those being rewarded for their lifetime commitment to improving the lives of people living with cancer are Dr. Jordan, the first scientist to demonstrate tamoxifen’s effectiveness in the prevention of breast cancer, and Mary-Claire King, who was the first to provide proof of the genetic inheritance of breast cancer.

Lytix Biopharma, a Scandinavian drug development company, intends to conduct clinical trials for its lead anti-cancer molecule, LTX-315. This step furthers the company’s research into synthetic peptides through the identification of effective and selective lead molecules for the treatment of cancer. The company has teamed up with Bachem and Fulcrum to ensure that the drug development process faces no further delays.