This week in drug discovery (3-7 April)

News round-up for 3-7 April by DDW Digital Content Editor Diana Spencer. 

The headlines this week have revealed a high level of clinical trial activity taking place internationally. In just the last few days, new clinical trials in colorectal cancer, osteoarthritis, and brain cancer have been launched, and positive early-stage results have been reported from ongoing trials in heart failure and solid tumours. 

The top stories: 

Metastatic colorectal cancer trial launches in the US 

A Phase II trial to investigate onvansertib for the second line treatment of patients with KRAS/NRAS-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has treated its first patients. 

‘Regenerative’ osteoarthritis drug moves to clinical trial 

A team of researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California (USC) have found a drug with the potential for curbing painful hyperinflammation from osteoarthritis, according to results of an animal study. 

Phase I study observes positive results for heart failure 

Sequana Medical, a company treating fluid overload in liver disease, heart failure and cancer, has announced positive results from its Phase I single-centre, single-arm, single-dose trial (CHIHUAHUA) with its second-generation DSR product (DSR 2.0).   

CureSearch to fund Phase I clinical trial for paediatric brain cancer 

CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, a national non-profit with a mission to end childhood cancer by driving targeted and innovative research in an accelerated time frame, will fund a Phase I clinical trial to bring new therapies to paediatric brain cancer patients, including those with limited or no treatment options. 

Avacta increases dose of AVA6000 in solid tumours study 

Avacta Group has dosed its first patient in the fifth cohort of the first-in-human Phase I trial (ALS-6000-101) of AVA6000 in solid tumours. This follows the approval of an amended clinical trial protocol by the UK’s Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to allow for higher levels of dosing. 

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