North Carolina-based Adherex Technologies has won orphan drug designation from the FDA for its experimental melanoma therapy ADH-1. The drug is currently in Phase IIb trials in combination with regional melphalan. Adherex is also conducting Phase I trials of ADH-1 in combination with Taxotere and Xeloda.
"Our experience to date combining ADH-1 and melphalan for the treatment of in-transit melanoma has been very encouraging," said Adherex CEO Dr. William Peters in a statement. "To continue with the rapid development of this combination, two additional centers, Lehigh Valley and H. Lee Moffitt, have joined our Phase IIb trial which is ongoing at Duke and the MD Anderson."
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