23 May 2013 - 23 May 2013 - US pharmaceutical company OncoGenex (NASDAQ: OGXI) said today that it plans to start Phase II clinical trial of OGX-427 inhibitor combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced squamous cell lung cancer with a primary goal to extend their progression-free survival.

OGX-427 is an intravenous drug that inhibits the production of heat shock protein (Hsp27). Hsp27 protects cancer cells and helps them survive, leading to treatment resistance and aggressive cancer phenotypes.

The trial, called Cedar, is a randomized, placebo-controlled study that will enrol 140 patients. It will compare the results of patients on OGX-427 combined with gemcitabine and carboplatin therapy, and those treated only with gemcitabine and carboplatin.

The trial's primary endpoint is progression-free survival, with secondary endpoints overall survival, tolerability, tomour response rates, safety and quality of life.

Cedar is OncoGenex's seventh Phase II trial in advanced cancers. It will involve 35 centres in the UK and will be conducted by the UK National Cancer Research Network and the UK Experimental Cancer Medicine Network.