Imatinib enters Phase II trial for Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

Novartis have initiated a Phase 2 Pilot Study of Imatinib (Gleevec) for Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis

The Predikin webserver for kinase substrate prediction

Details on the Predikin webserver for improved prediction of protein kinase peptide specificity are published in this months Nucleic Acids Research. The system consists of a database of protein kinase substrates, a perl module to analyse query protein kinases and a web interface through which users can submit protein kinases for analysis.

SGX gives Pipeline update

SGX126 – Met inhibitor – IND-enabling studies continuing, IND expected early 2009
SGX523 – Met inhibitor – Discontinued following Phase I renal toxicity
SGX393 – Bcr-Abl – IND-enabling studies ongoing, IND expected this Quarter
Other Programs: JAK2, RAS, RON, ALK, and IKK

BMS and Kai announce agreement for PKC-delta inhibitor KAI-9803

BMS and Kai have announced that they will collaborate on the development of KAI-9803, a first-in-class inhibitor of the delta protein kinase C pathway (delta PKC) with potential in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction

Dasatinib effective in CNS Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia

In a preclinical mouse model of intracranial Ph+ leukemia Dasatinib was found to cross the blood brain barrier (unlike imatinib), increasing survival.

Lapatinib enters global early breast cancer trial

GSK and the Breast International Group (BIG) are initiating a phase III clinical trial of Lapatinib (Tykerb) in the treatment of early breast cancer (EBC), prior to surgery.