Exelixis Files IND Application for Novel Anticancer Compound XL844

Exelixis has submitted an investigational new drug application to the FDA for XL844, the sixth compound to advance in clinical development from the company's internal discovery program within two years.

The company believes that XL844 is the first potent, selective inhibitor of the checkpoint kinase pathway to progress to this stage of development. In addition to its therapeutic potential as a single agent, XL844 increased the effectiveness of other anticancer agents in animal models. Pending FDA clearance, Exelixis intends to initiate a Phase I clinical trial.