CD-160130 demonstrates low micromolar activities to selectively apoptose CLL cells from a wide range of patients. Preliminary data suggests CLL cells with 11q and 17p deletions are also susceptible to CD-160130 actions. The studies provide strong evidence that CD-160130 exerts its apoptotic actions through a novel ion channel effect rather, as originally thought, than through its inhibitory actions on the phosphodiesterase 4 enzyme. Ion channels inhibitors/modulators are viewed as a novel means to treat a wide variety of cancers where the channel is overexpressed or mutated. High oral bioavailability and the low toxicological profile of CD-160130 indicate good potential for its use as a therapeutic treatment for CLL capable of maintaining quality-of-life factors.
BlackSwan Pharma GmbH is a biopharmaceutical company specialised in novel substances for the treatment of tumours of the blood building system, in particular chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Their work is based on an exclusive license to patents and know-how of The Medicines Company (Leipzig) GmbH for the research and development as well as the marketing of the resulting products. Their candidate for development CD-160130 has been registered in the Community Register for Orphan Medical Products for Human Use for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia by the European Union under number EU/3/07/487.