Kosan Initiates Phase II Trial of KOS-862 for Prostate Cancer

Kosan Biosciences has begun a multicenter Phase II clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of KOS-862 (Epothilone D) as monotherapy for prostate cancer.

KOS-862 is a polyketide that inhibits cancer cells by the same mechanism as paclitaxel, and preclinical models have shown the compound to be effective against paclitaxel-resistant tumors.

According to the Phase II trial design, KOS-862 will be administered weekly by intravenous administration for three of four weeks at a dose of 100 mg/m2. The trial is expected to enroll between 20 and 50 patients in hormone refractory patients who have progressed following treatment with a docetaxel-based regimen. Changes in prostate specific antigen and tumor response will be assessed to determine clinical activity.