Starpharma starts human trial of DEP-docetaxel

Starpharma (ASX:SPL) has been cleared to commence a phase I human trial of its dendrimer-enhanced formulation of popular chemotherapy docetaxel.

Starpharma has secured the necessary approvals to conduct a trial of DEP-Docetaxel in around 30 patients with solid tumours.

The trial will be conducted at Nucleus Network’s clinical facility at the AMREP/Alfred Hospital initially, and Starpharma plans to add one or two more Melbourne sites in the near future.

The primary objective of the trial will be to establish the maximum tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicities of DEP-Docetaxel. A preliminary assessment of the anticancer efficacy of the formulation will also be taken.

Docetaxel is a chemotherapy drug widely used to treat breast, prostate, stomach and non-small cell lung cancer. Starpharma’s formulation uses its DEP nanotechnology platform in a bid to create a more targeted formula and reduce side effects.

Preclinical research into DEP-Docetaxel supports its reduced toxicity - rats treated with the product exhibited a lack of neutropenia compared to those receiving the original formula - and Starpharma’s formulation appears far more effective at targeting tumours.

Starpharma CEO Dr Jackie Fairley called the commencement of the trial a “key development milestone” for DEP-Docetaxel.

“The multiple, clinically significant benefits of Starpharma’s DEP-Docetaxel will place the product in a very compelling competitive position,” she said. “In addition, findings from this trial have potential flow-on benefit for Starpharma’s dendrimer platform more broadly, particularly in oncology.”

Starpharma (ASX:SPL) shares were trading unchanged at $0.675 as of around 1 pm on Friday.