Obatoclax mesylate, also known as GX15-070, is an experimental drug for the treatment of various types of cancer. It was discovered by Gemin X, which was acquired by Cephalon, which has since been acquired by Teva Pharmaceuticals.Cephalon Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Gemin X, March 21, 2011 Several Phase II clinical trials were completed that investigated use of obatoclax in the treatment of leukemia, lymphoma, myelofibrosis, and mastocytosis.Gemin X Presents New Data on Obatoclax at the American Society of Hematology Meeting, Dec 9, 2008Obatoclax at ClinicalTrials.gov
Mechanism of action
Obatoclax is an inhibitor of the Bcl-2 family of proteins. This inhibition induces apoptosis in cancer cells, preventing tumor growth. Solubility has been an issue in the development of the drug.
Clinical trials Clinical trial results have been published for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, small cell lung cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes.
Teva halted a phase III trial in patients with lung cancer before it had begun, citing "business decisions" as the reason.
See also Navitoclax
References