Doubling down on apoptosis

Human Genome Sciences Inc. doubled its pro-apoptotic play in the cancer space last week as it began a Phase II trial of its lead TRAIL receptor antibody and licensed rights to an inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) antagonist program from Aegera Therapeutics Inc. The partners said the two programs have shown synergistic activity in preclinical models for a number of cancers and plan to start Phase I testing of the lead IAP compound, AEG40826, early next year.

Pathways that induce apoptosis of cancer cells represent a popular target. HGSI (Rockville, Md.) has decided to fortify its position in the area through a combination of internal development and external deals...