Biotech, cancer, Infinity Pharmaceuticals

Infinity Pharmaceuticals Starts First Clinical Trial of Oral Hsp-90 Blocker

Luke Timmerman 7/30/08

Infinity Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: INFI), the Cambridge, MA-based developer of cancer drugs, said today it has started its first clinical trial for IPI-493, an oral drug designed to block proteins that support tumor growth. The drug is meant to inhibit Hsp-90, like another intravenously-delivered compound, IPI-504, that’s being prepared for a pivotal clinical trial before the end of September. “We believe this is a step in the right direction,” said Michael King, an analyst with Rodman & Renshaw, in a note to clients, because an oral drug may be preferred by doctors and patients.