- Bausch Health Companies has revealed that its subsidiary Salix Pharmaceuticals is initiating a Phase 2 study of its drug candidate Relistor
- Relistor will be used in patients with resectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, which is cancer in the head and neck region
- The study is intended to evaluate the potential of treating oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma with Relistor
- Shares of Bausch Health are down 2.69 per cent to C$12.65 as of 11:33 am ET
Bausch Health (TSX:BHC) has revealed that its subsidiary Salix Pharmaceuticals is gearing up to begin a Phase 2 study of its drug candidate Relistor.
In a news release, the Laval, Quebec-based company stated Relistor will be used in patients with resectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, which is cancer in the head and neck region.
Relistor is an opioid antagonist available in tablets and injections for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation in adults with chronic non-cancer pain.
Led by Juan P. Cata, M.D., at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the trial intends to evaluate the potential of treating oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients with Relistor.
The primary endpoint of the study is the successful administration of Relistor for two weeks preoperatively and postoperatively without interruption because of adverse events. Meanwhile the secondary endpoints include tumor viability, proliferation and apoptosis index, objective response rate, survival rates, and patient-reported outcomes.
“The preclinical data and clinical suggestions point to potential activity against cancer,” Robert Israel, M.D., senior vice president of Clinical and Medical Affairs at Bausch Health, said. “Having Dr. Cata study this drug in head and neck cancer will shed light on how and if this agent could be further developed as a potential treatment option in neoplastic disease.”
Once the study is completed, patients will be monitored every three months during the first two years.
Salix Pharmaceuticals is focused on preventing and treating gastrointestinal diseases.
Bausch Health Companies develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceutical, medical device and over-the-counter products.
Shares of Bausch Health are down 2.69 per cent to C$12.65 as of 11:33 am ET.
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