Cilengitide Merck

Abstract

Merck KGaA is developing cilengitide, the lead in a series of integrin antagonists with anti-angiogenic activities, for the potential treatment of a variety of cancer types. The National Cancer Institute is conducting clinical trials of cilengitide. In October 1999, phase II trials in non-small-cell lung cancer (as a monotherapy) and pancreatic cancer (in combination with gemcitabine) were initiated. These were ongoing in February 2002, by which time, a phase I trial and a phase I/II trial in glioblastoma were underway.