EpiCept Corporation today announced that with the initiation of a new study center, Tower Cancer Research Foundation in Los Angeles, it will accelerate the recruitment of patients in the currently ongoing Phase I clinical study of EPC2407, a novel small molecule vascular disruption agent (VDA) and apoptosis inducer for the treatment of patients with advanced solid tumors and lymphomas. The first two cohorts of patients have been completed according to schedule at Scottsdale Healthcare Center. The third cohort is currently ongoing at Scottsdale Healthcare Center and at the University of California, Moores Cancer Center, San Diego.

EPC2407 belongs to a novel class of microtubulin inhibitors discovered by EpiCept. These compounds cause caspase activation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptotic death in cancer cells.

The Phase I trial of EPC2407 is now being conducted in three U.S. cancer centers and will administer increasing doses to small groups in approximately 30-40 patients with advanced stages of solid tumors. The primary objectives of the study are to determine the safety (maximum tolerated dose) and the pharmacokinetic profile of the drug. The study will also characterize the pharmacodynamic effects on tumor blood flow and identify early signs of objective anti-tumor response as measured by CT scans, MRI or PET, in these advanced cancer patients with well vascularized solid tumors.

Dr. Peter J. Rosen, Medical Director at Tower Cancer Research Foundation, stated, "Tower Oncology is very excited to work with EpiCept on the clinical development of EPC2407, a product with a new mechanistic approach, which could offer significant advantages in the fight against cancer."

EpiCept President and Chief Executive Officer Jack Talley commented, "We are pleased to be joined by Tower Cancer Research Foundation in the development of EPC2407 and we believe that their participation will result in our completing the trial ahead of p
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