Perifosine: Phase I started

Aeterna Zentaris said partner Yakult began an open-label, Japanese Phase I trial to evaluate 50 mg oral perifosine daily in 21-day cycles in combination with Velcade bortezomib and dexamethasone in about 18 patients with refractory MM who were treated with Velcade. In May, Aeterna and Keryx Biopharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:KERX, New York, N.Y.) mutually terminated a deal that gave Keryx North American rights to perifosine. Keryx is still eligible for low single-digit royalties on sales of perifosine in North America (see BioCentury, May 14). Yakult has rights to perifosine in Japan, while Handok has rights in South Korea. Perifosine has Orphan Drug designation in the U.S. and the EU for MM, and Fast Track designation in the U.S. to treat advanced refractory colorectal cancer. ...