Astex Gets on the Map (ASTX)

The randomized Phase 1/2 first-in-human dose escalation study had 66 patients enrolled who were previously treated as of March 28, 2012.

In the data, two of the seven evaluable refractory AML patients with adequate hypomethylation with no prior resistance to hypomethylating agents showed a complete response and one patient showed partial response.

The pharmacokinetic data suggests delivery of decitabine by SGI-110 achieves high decitabine exposure. It also showed a longer half life and a potent dose-dependent hypomethylation induction in the daily regimen.

Shares are trading higher by 13.6% at $2.09 in the pre-market and the 52-week trading range is $1.51 to $3.35.  The market cap before the news was a mere $171 million.

JON C. OGG