Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.'s (NASDAQ: KPTI) shares almost doubled (up 93.51%) on encouraging initial data from a phase I study on its oncology candidate, selinexor, for patients suffering from multiple myeloma. The new data was also presented at the European Hematology Association (EHA). Selinexor is a first-in-class oral selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) compound.
Eight relapsed and/or refractory multiple myeloma patients were treated with either selinexor (45 mg/m² twice weekly) alone or selinexor in combination with low-dose dexamethasone (20 mg twice weekly) as a part of the phase I study in patients with advanced hematological malignancies. Clinical benefit response rate of 75% and overall response rate of 50% were observed in the study.
Among these eight patients, the best responses were one stringent complete response, three partial responses, two minor responses, one with progressive disease while one was non-evaluable.
Selinexor Development Status
Currently, Karyopharm is enrolling patients in three ongoing phase I studies on selinexor in advanced hematologic malignancies, solid tumors and sarcomas. In all the studies, patients whose disease has relapsed and/or refractory to all available classes of approved therapies and is progressing will be enrolled. 12 additional multiple myeloma patients may be dosed with a selinexor and dexamethasone combination as a part of the ongoing phase I hematology study.
Karyopharm has also initiated phase II studies to evaluate selinexor in patients with metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer, relapsed glioblastoma multiforme and in cervical, ovarian and uterine carcinomas. In 2014, Karyopharm plans to initiate additional studies in squamous head, neck or lung cancer, Richter's syndrome and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma among other indications. We expect investor focus to remain on updates pertaining to selinexor.
Karyopharm carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the health care sector include Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD), Allergan (NYSE: AGN) and Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALXN). While Gilead and Allergan are Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks, Alexion holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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