Tennessee Part of Multi-State Trial Testing New Mesothelioma Treatment Drug
The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center reports that a new drug manufactured by Bayer HealthCare is in the midst of being tested by means of Phase I clinical trials. The new mesothelin-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) has been given orphan drug designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means it may be easier to gain marketing approval and other financial incentives may be available for extended periods of time. The drug, known as BAY 94-9343, is being tested for the treatment of asbestos-caused mesothelioma cancer.
A member of the Bayer HealthCare Executive Committee states the orphan drug designation is an important step in the drug’s development, which may help thousands of malignant mesothelioma patients each year if the clinical trials are successful. Bayer began drafting patients for the study close to a year ago, and the clinical trials are being conducted in Tennessee, Texas, and Maryland. This Phase I trial will aid in determining the tolerability and safety of the drug, while also evaluating the “pharmakinetics and pharmacodynamics” of the drug in the treatment of patients with advanced solid tumors.
Presently, there is only one drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of mesothelioma, which is Eli Lily’s ALIMTA. This chemotherapy drug has shown the most promise in the treatment of mesothelioma cancer, but researchers, scientists, and medical professionals agree there is a long way to go towards finding therapies to address the disease. A Bayer HealthCare Executive Committee member adds that there is an unmet medical need for new treatment options for malignant mesothelioma, and that the company is committed to developing therapies so those living with this cancer can improve their quality of life and live longer.
At Massey & Associates, P.C., our mesothelioma lawyers in Tennessee understand the seriousness of a cancer diagnosis and recognize the severe difficulties and challenges living with the disease can present, all of which affect not only the health of a person, but also his or her wellbeing. Our legal team is committed to obtaining compensation for those who have been afflicted by the disease and exposed to asbestos through no fault of their own so that the patient can heal and live their best life. To discuss your medical case with us at no-cost, please call (423) 697-4529.
