Hutchison Chi-Med begins phase 1 study of 'HMPL-306'

Hutchison China MediTech, trading as Chi-Med, has initiated a phase 1 study of ‘HMPL-306’, it announced on Friday, in patients with hematological malignancies in China.

The AIM and Nasdaq-traded firm described HMPL-306 as its novel selective small molecule dual inhibitor of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 and 2 mutations, and confirmed the first patient was dosed on Friday.

It said it was a multi-centre study to evaluate the safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and efficacy of HMPL‑306 in patients of relapsed or refractory hematological malignancies, with an IDH1 or an IDH2 mutation.

The first stage of the study was a dose escalation phase, where cohorts of patients would receive ascending oral doses of HMPL‑306 to determine the maximum tolerated dose, and the recommended phase 2 dose.

Chi-Med said the second stage would be a dose expansion phase, where three cohorts of patients would receive HMPL‑306 to further evaluate the safety, tolerability, and clinical activity at the recommended phase 2 dose.

“HMPL-306 is Chi-Med's ninth innovative oncology asset discovered in house,” the board said in its statement.

“Cytoplasmic mutant IDH1 and mitochondrial mutant IDH2 have been known to switch to the other form when targeted by an inhibitor of IDH1 mutant alone or IDH2 mutant alone.

“By targeting both IDH1 and IDH2 mutations, this drug candidate may provide therapeutic benefits in cancer patients harboring IDH mutations, and may address acquired resistance to IDH inhibition through isoform switching.”

At 1159 BST, shares in Hutchison China MediTech were down 2.44% in London, at 401.45p.