MEI Pharma rides wave of interest in AML

Following a Phase II release of data for its oral histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor pracinostat in the tough-to-treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), MEI Pharma CEO Dan Gold says he is optimistic heading into Phase III with Swiss partner Helsinn. Phase II data presented at the American Society of Hematology meeting in December 2016 suggested a complete response rate of 42% and median survival of 19.1 months for the drug in combination with Celgene's Vidaza (azacitadine) in older, treatment-naive AML patients, which compares well to historical controls. Gold discussed his company's plans for a large Phase III study with Helsinn and implications for interest in subtypes of the disease during an interview at Biotech Showcase.