A clinical trial is underway to test a platinum-based drug that could help treat patients suffering from colorectal cancer.

Its developer Poniard Pharmaceuticals, which recently changed its name from NeoRx, said that it had treated its first patient in the phase 1/2 clinical trial of its drug, picoplatin.

It is designed to overcome platinum resistance that is associated with the treatment of solid tumours.

The drug, which is administered intravenously, is also being studied in a phase 2 trial involving small cell lung cancer patients.

"Picoplatin has previously demonstrated a more manageable safety profile with fewer side effects than currently available platinum-based therapies, especially when used in combination with other approved agents," said Jerry McMahon, chairman and chief executive of the company.

"If our Phase 1/2 trial is successful, we plan to expand and advance clinical studies, with the goal of bringing this innovative platinum product to market for this indication."

The company added that it was hoping to begin a phase 1/2 trial of picoplatin for patients suffering from hormone refractory prostate cancer by the middle of the year.

"In addition to evaluating intravenous picoplatin in lung, colorectal and prostate cancer, we see the opportunity to develop an oral dosage form of picoplatin," added Dr McMahon.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd