Endocyte Doses First Patient in Phase 1 SMDC EC1456 Trial in Advanced Solid Tumors

Endocyte

today announced that it has dosed the first patient in its Phase 1 clinical trial in advanced solid tumors for its SMDC EC1456, a folate receptor (FR)-targeting folate-tubulysin conjugate. The open-label, multicenter, non-randomized, dose-escalation study is divided into two parts. The first part of the Phase 1 study will evaluate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended Phase 2 dose of EC1456 in patients with metastatic or locally advanced solid tumors, the primary endpoint of the study. The second part of the study will determine the efficacy of EC1456 in patients with select cancers known to express the folate receptor with all target lesions positive for FR [FR(100%)] and treated with MTD. The FR-status will be determined using the investigational companion imaging agent, etarfolatide (EC20). "We continue to expand our SMDC portfolio and companion imaging agents as we move our second drug candidate, EC1456, into the clinic," said Ron Ellis, president and CEO of Endocyte. "Our companion imaging agent, etarfolatide, is being investigated to identify