Vatalanib (PTK787 / ZK222584)

Vatalanib (PTK787/ZK-222584) is a new oral antiangiogenic molecule that inhibits all known vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, as well as KIT. Vatalanib is under investigation for the treatment of various solid tumors. It is being developed by Novartis with partnership by Schering for some applications.

One trial of vatalanib for GIST patients is being conducted by Joensuu in Finland. There is an abstact about early trial results from the ASCO 2006 meeting, and you can also view the slides for the presentation.

Joensuu et al, ASCO 2006 abstract 9531, A Phase II open-label study of PTK787 / ZK222584 in the treatment of metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) resistant to imatinib mesylate.

The Finnish trial NCT00117299 is described at www.clinicaltrials.gov

There is a combination trial of vatalanib plus everolimus described at NCT00655655.

For a PubMed search on the drug click this link.