Enzon discontinues study of colorectal cancer drug PEG-SN38

New Jersey, USA-based biotech firm Enzon Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ENZN) says that, in light of evolving standards of care for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), the company will discontinue its PEG-SN38 (EZN-2208) clinical program in this disease, following conclusion of its Phase II study.

Enzon continues to enroll studies for the company's other PEG-SN38 programs, which include a soon-to-be fully enrolled Phase II study in metastatic breast cancer, a Phase I study in pediatric cancer, and a Phase I study in combination with Swiss drug major Roche’ Avastin (bevacizumab injection) in solid tumors.

"While we may evaluate PEG-SN38 in earlier lines of colorectal cancer treatment in future clinical trials, at this time, resources associated with such trials are better directed toward areas of study with nearer-term commercial potential," said Richard Mulligan, vice chairman of Enzon's board of directors, adding: "We remain highly encouraged by the promising activity and safety of PEG-SN38 in a number of cancers, including metastatic breast cancer, and look forward to the rapid execution of studies in areas in which the full benefit of irinotecan cannot be realized due to toxicity."