Endocyte Announces Presentations at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO)

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., Sept. 29, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Endocyte, Inc. ECYT, a leader in developing targeted small molecule drug conjugates (SMDCs) and companion imaging agents for personalized therapy, today announced that two posters will be presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), being held in Copenhagen, Denmark, October 7-11, 2016.

Presentations are as follows:

Abstract #: 731P
Title: "Phase 1 Study of the PSMA-Targeted Tubulysin Small-Molecule Drug Conjugate EC1169 in Patients with Metastatic Castrate-Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC): Study Update"
When: Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, from 1 – 2 PM CEST
Session ID: Poster Display
Location: Hall E
Presenter: Michael J. Morris, M.D., Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Abstract #: 395P
Title: "Dose Escalation Phase 1, Safety and Pharmacokinetic Study of the Folate Receptor-Targeted Drug Conjugate EC1456 in Advanced Cancer Patients: Study Update"
When: Monday, Oct. 10, 2016, from 1 – 2 PM CEST
Session ID: Poster Display
Location: Hall E
Presenter: Jasgit C. Sachdev, M.D., Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at HonorHealth/TGen

About EC1169 and ^99mTc-EC0652

EC1169 is an investigational therapeutic SMDC constructed of a high affinity prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting ligand conjugated through a releasable linker system to a potent cytotoxic microtubule inhibitor, tubulysin B hydrazide (TubBH).  The high affinity of EC1169 for PSMA allows for the active and specific delivery of TubBH to PSMA-expressing cancer cells, while minimizing exposure to normal cells.  PSMA is known to be highly expressed on the majority of prostate cancers with limited expression on normal tissues.  The PSMA-targeted companion imaging agent ^99mTc-EC0652 is being co-developed to characterize whole body PSMA expression in real time, to identify patients most likely to benefit from EC1169 therapy.  EC1169 and ^99mTc-EC0652 are currently being evaluated in a phase 1 study in patients with metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02202447).

About EC1456 and ^99mTc-etarfolatide

EC1456 is an investigational therapeutic SMDC constructed of folic acid conjugated through a spacer and releasable linker system to a potent cytotoxic microtubule inhibitor, TubBH. The high affinity of the folic acid ligand for the folate receptor (FR) allows for the active and specific targeting of EC1456 to FR-expressing cancer cells.  The FR is highly expressed in several epithelial cancers (e.g. ovarian, NSCLC) but is expressed at low levels in most normal tissues.  ^99mTc-etarfolatide is an FR-targeted companion imaging agent being co-developed to characterize whole body FR expression in real time, to identify patients most likely to benefit from EC1456 therapy.  EC1456 and ^99mTc-etarfolatide are currently being evaluated in a phase 1 study in patients with advanced solid tumors (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01999738).

About Endocyte

Endocyte is a biopharmaceutical company and leader in developing personalized therapy for cancer and other serious diseases through targeted SMDCs and companion imaging agents.  The company's SMDCs actively deliver highly potent payloads into targeted cells via cell surface receptors that have been identified in patients using companion imaging agents.  This approach allows for selected treatment to those patients that may be the most likely to benefit from targeted therapy. EC1169, ^99mTc-EC0652, EC1456, and ^99mTc-etarfolatide are wholly owned by Endocyte.  For more information, visit http://www.endocyte.com.