In support of the collaboration, MMRF will provide funding of up to $1m for a Phase I trial evaluating ganetespib as a single agent and in combination with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib as a treatment for relapsed multiple myeloma.
The trial will be conducted through Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC), which accelerates development of novel and combination treatments for multiple myeloma, by facilitating collaborative research between industry and academia.
The open-label, multi-centre, Phase 1 trial is designed to evaluate ganetespib, bortezomib and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
The trial is estimated to be initiated in the second half of 2011.
Ganetespib is a second generation Hsp90 inhibitor which is currently being evaluated in 11 Phase II trials, and has demonstrated clinical activity as a monotherapy, along with a favorable safety profile.