Serenex Launches Second Clinical Trial of Potential Cancer Drug

Sernex has launched a second Phase I clinical trial of a potential cancer drug, this time targeting hematological malignancies.

Hematological malignancies affect blood, bone marrow and lymph nodes.

The other clinical trial for the Serenex compound, called SNX-5422, targets solid tumors.

The compound was discovered using Serenex’s proprietary technology platform. SNX-544 is what Serenex calls a heat shock protein inhibitor known as Hsp90. SNX-5422 is designed to inhibit Hsp90 that “chaperons” proteins found to be necessary in cancer cell survival and growth.

“The hematology trial will enable us to take a closer look at biomarkers and early signals of anti-tumor activity in patients fighting hematological cancers,” said Serenex Chief Executive Officer Richard Kent.
Serenex, which closed on $26 million in venture financing in June, has two compounds undergoing trials.

SNX-1012 is in Phase II clinical trial. It is designed to help combat inflammation and ulceration in the mouths and digestive tracts of patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation. Serenex licensed the product in 2005.