Pipeline > APD209
Cancer cachexia
Description
APD209 is an oral fixed-dose combination of two currently marketed drugs, megestrol (a progestin which is used off-label in cachexia) and formoterol (a selective β2-agonist) for the new use of cancer cachexia. The combination has been designed to increase appetite, body weight and muscle mass and function.
Status
This fixed dose combination has completed preclinical development and an open-label Phase IIa pilot study in cancer patients. The Phase IIa study was led by Professor Kenneth Fearon, at the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh. Thirteen cancer patients, with an average weight loss of 11.4% in the previous six months, were treated with APD209 for up to eight weeks and detailed measurements of muscle size, muscle function, physical activity and quality of life were taken to assess the efficacy of the product.
Seven patients completed the eight week course of treatment, six achieving a major response, according to pre-defined criteria.