A phase II clinical study of a new platinum-polymer drug is to begin in Europe.

ProLindac will be used in relation to ovarian cancer patients that have relapsed after first line platinum therapy.

"In our phase I trial, there were two responses in ovarian patients who had relapsed after prior cis- or carboplatin therapy," said Rosemary Mazanet, chief executive of Access Pharmaceuticals, the firm behind the treatment.

"Given these promising early results for ProLindac, we are now eager to see what the response rate will be in a larger study at a phase II dose. Since the phase II is open-label in design, the company anticipates being able to look at interim results before the end of this year."

The results from the phase I clinical study of ProLindac were reported last November.

In addition to the promising results seen in ovarian cancer patients, a partial response was also observed in a melanoma patient.

New clinical trial plans are now being worked out with clinical investigators and research organisations and the company says that it hopes to begin one or more additional clinical trials of ProLindac within the next year.

Its performance in relation to colorectal and lung cancers in combination with current treatments is one area of interest.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd