J&J reports early prostate-cancer responses for experimental oral drug

Johnson & Johnson ($JNJ) disclosed early results for oral JNJ-6143 in heavily pretreated advanced prostate cancer. Among 31 evaluable patients receiving 50 milligrams, 77% achieved at least a 50% PSA decline. Confirmed tumor responses occurred in 69% of patients with measurable lesions, a separate assessment population. Common adverse effects included nausea and increased blood lipids.

The compound is designed to link the androgen receptor with BRD4, a protein needed for cell survival, and is being studied in Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials. These results inform dose selection and provide an initial clinical test of the platform acquired with Halda Therapeutics. Its potential remains unproven in controlled late-stage studies, and the disclosure is not a regulatory approval.

Sources:

• Reuters
• jnj.com
• Reuters via AOL