Oncothyreon has filed an INDA with the FDA for PX-866, a small molecule phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI-3-kinase) inhibitor for the treatment of advanced cancers. The compound has been shown to have good single agent in vivo antitumor activity and works well in combination with other agents in a number of human tumor models, the company said. Following FDA review, the company plans to initiate a Phase I clinical trial.

Xoft Inc. has received clearance from the FDA for applicators to be used with the Axxent electronic brachytherapy system for the treatment of endometrial cancer. Previously cleared for accelerated treatment of early stage breast cancer, the system also recently received expanded approval for use in the treatment of other cancers or conditions where radiation therapy is indicated. The system that delivers electronic, X-ray-based radiation treatment may reduce external radiation therapy from seven weeks to five days.

Researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center have found that an antioxidant that occurs naturally in wine may reach and destroy mitochondria, thereby destroying the pancreatic cancer cells. The researchers further say that the link between the mitochondria and antioxidant is significant, since mitochondria has its own DNA and is the core power supplier for the cells.

According to research published in Science, animals have been shown to be protected against radiation therapy damage in cancer by a modified version of a natural intestinal protein. The intestinal protein, flagellin, is produced by the bacteria, that live within the body, to stop the intestinal cells from starting programmed cell death process known as apoptosis.

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.

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.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has received tentative approval from the FDA for the Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for its generic version of Eli Lilly’s cancer drug, Gemzar. The generic gemcitabine injections are therapeutic equivalents of Eli Lilly’s Gemzar injections and are available in strengths of 200 mg and 1g single use vial.