Cytopia Appoints Study Chairman for JAK2 Clinical Trial

Pharmalive.com, July 30, 2008 - Dr Tefferi is a world-renowned expert in the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) and has authored over 500 research publications and given many hundreds of invited lectures in haematology. He also serves on the editorial boards of a number of leading haematology journals.

Myelofibrosis patients suffer a bone marrow disorder in which the marrow is replaced by fibrous scar tissue. Patients will be treated in this study with Cytopia’s novel orally available compound CYT387. This drug inhibits the mutant JAK2 enzyme to specifically treat haematological malignancies, including myelofibrosis.

Many of these particular diseases can lead to life threatening conditions such as leukemia. There are currently no effective long term treatments for these conditions.

“Cytopia is delighted that a clinician of Dr Tefferi’s standing has agreed to chair our Phase I/II program,” said Mr Andrew Macdonald, CEO. “Dr Tefferi and our other clinical investigators will study and document the clinical benefits of using this highly promising JAK2 inhibitor to treat these blood disorders.”

Following the completion of very encouraging in-vivo studies at Oregon Health and Science University early in the year, CYT387 has been undergoing rigorous IND-enabling toxicology studies in recent months. It is anticipated that an Investigational New Drug application will be lodged with the US Food and Drug Administration by the end of the year to support studies in Australia and the United States.