GENTA BEGINS STUDY OF DRUG THAT TARGETS THE C-MYB ONCOGENE

Genta has announced initiation of a Phase I clinical trial using a new anticancer drug derived from the company's DNA/RNA medicines program. The new compound, known as G4460, uses antisense technology to target an oncogene known as c-myb that regulates key functions in cancer cells. Using an accelerated dosing schedule, this study will evaluate dosing regimens, safety, biologic activity and down-regulation of c-myb in patients with advanced hematologic cancers. G4460 has been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA for treatment of patients with chronic myelocytic leukemia.

Genta's DNA/RNA medicines program uses drugs that are based on chemical modifications of DNA or RNA to selectively knock out the function of genes that may be involved in the cause or progression of cancer. G4460 targets an oncogene product known as c-myb, which is a protein that directly binds to cellular DNA. C-myb is believed to regulate the expression of other genes that are involved in the growth and differentiation of cancer cells. Over-expression of c-myb blocks differentiation, promotes proliferation and decreases apoptosis.

Potential clinical targets for G4460 include chronic myelocytic leukemia, melanoma, neuroblastoma and cancers of the breast, pancreas and colon. Genta has licensed key patents and technology related to the composition and human use of G4460.