Partner
Advancell S.A

Indication
B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL)

Phase
Phase I/II

Description
Acadra™, a nucleoside analogue, has been shown ex vivo, to induce cell death in B-cells with little effect on T-cells using samples taken from patients with B-CLL

Further Information
B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) is a haematological cancer in which there is an excess of B-cells in the blood. B-CLL is the most frequently occurring type of leukaemia in the Western World with an incidence of 21,000 cases per annum* worldwide. It accounts for around 40% of all leukaemias in those over 65 but is very rare in those below the age of 30. B-CLL follows an extremely variable course with overall survival times ranging from months to decades. The condition is considered incurable but temporary remission can be achieved with therapies that kill B-cells.

Unfortunately, currently available chemotherapies are also toxic to T-cells which help protect the body from infection and, consequently, patients with depleted T-cells are at high risk of contracting life-threatening infections. Acadra™ has been shown to induce B-cell death ex vivo in samples taken from healthy subjects and patients, with little effect on T-cells. Thus, it is anticipated that patients treated with Acadra™ will have a reduced risk of serious infections compared to those on current chemotherapies.

In addition, Acadra™ has also been shown ex vivo to induce the death of B-cells in samples taken from patients who are resistant to fludarabine, one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs currently used for the treatment of B-CLL.

Published clinical studies in healthy subjects and patients with cardiovascular indications indicate that Acadra™ is well tolerated.

In November 2009, BTG licensed its exclusive worldwide rights for Acadra™ (acadesine) back to Advancell S.A., in exchange for an undisclosed potential future milestone payment and a royalty on any future sales of Acadra™. Acadra™ is progressing through a Phase I/II open label study in patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) to assess the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and the effects on B-cell and T-cell counts. This study is underway at sites in Belgium, France and Spain and will continue as planned under the sole responsibility of Advancell.

Return to Pipeline