Recent Update on Mesothelioma Treatment Onconase

The Alfacell Corporation recently attended a pre-NDA meeting with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss the final steps needed for the New Drug Application (NDA) of Onconase.

During the meeting, the FDA asked for another clinical trial to be performed on unresectable malignant mesothelioma patients that have previously failed a different chemotherapy method. This clinical trial must be completed before Alfacell can submit a NDA.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. In the majority of cases, the disease affects the lining of the lungs.

However, other areas of the body that can be affected include the lining of the abdomen and heart. Prospective treatments for this disease are crucial for patients because a proven mesothelioma cure is not yet available. 

Onconase offers a therapeutic medication that is based on Alfacell’s proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology. It is a natural protein taken from the leopard frog and several studies have shown it can be used to kill mesothelioma cancer cells while sparing normal cells throughout the body.

Unfortunately, Alfacell’s current financial stance will not allow them to conduct a new clinical trial until additional funds are made. In order to make more money, Alfacell has decided to proceed with a cost reduction program that will reduce all other programs and personnel costs not related to Onconase.

This will not only provide enough funds for an additional clinical trial, but it will allow Alfacell to complete and fully invest in the New Drug Application. The company’s cost reduction program is scheduled to begin on January 30, 2009.

According to Alfacell, the current cash reserves should allow the company to continue operating through December 2009.

For more information on mesothelioma treatments, please visit the Mesothelioma Cancer Center.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 at 2:58 pm and is filed under Asbestos Exposure, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Treatment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS feed. Responses are currently closed, but you trackback from your own site.