Niiki Pharma Reports on Synergistic Activity of Novel Anti-Cancer Agent NKP-1339 with Other Anti-Cancer Agents

HOBOKEN, N.J. and PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Niiki Pharma Inc. presented the results of preclinical combination studies of its lead product, NKP-1339, at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics held in San Francisco, CA, November 12-16, 2011.

The data were presented as a poster, titled "NKP-1339 synergistic activity in both in vitro and in vivo preclinical models highlights the therapeutic opportunity for NKP-1339 combination trials with a broad range of anti-tumor agents."

Data summary:

• In vitro combination studies were performed in breast, colon, lung, gastric, prostate, pancreatic and liver tumor cell lines.  NKP-1339 was tested in combination with cisplatin, oxaliplatin, 5-FU, docetaxel, doxorubicin, gemcitabine, erlotinib or sorafenib as appropriate for each tumor cell type. Synergistic cytotoxicity was seen with all combinations tested.
• In vivo gastric carcinoma xenograft model was tested with NKP-1339 in combination with cisplatin. The combination showed significant (P<0.05) tumor growth delay and extended survival when compared to the single agent activity for either compound.

The broad synergism of NKP-1339 across the tested anti-neoplastic agents is consistent with its proposed mechanism of action through inhibition of the GRP78 pathway.

"The synergy we have demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo settings suggests that NKP-1339 will be effective in combination with these anti-cancer agents in the clinical setting. The favorable efficacy and safety profile observed to date in our ongoing single agent NKP-1339 Phase I trial warrants its investigation in combination studies for our next round of clinical trials," noted Angela Ogden MD, Chief Medical Officer at Niiki Pharma.

About NKP-1339

NKP-1339 is a first-in-class small molecule anti-cancer compound. NKP-1339 down-regulates the GRP78 pathway, a key regulator of mis-folded protein processing and a tumor survival factor. Up-regulation of GRP78 is associated with intrinsic and chemotherapy-induced resistance in many tumor types. In preclinical studies, single agent NKP-1339 has demonstrated activity against multiple tumor types, including those resistant to other anti-cancer agents.

NKP-1339 was discovered by Professor Bernhard K. Keppler, Dean of the Faculty of Chemistry at University of Vienna, Austria and President of Austrian Association of University Professors.

About Niiki Pharma Inc.

Niiki Pharma is a development focused oncology company specializing in first-in-class cancer treatments directed at novel cellular targets and related companion diagnostics.

SOURCE Niiki Pharma Inc.