• CytRx Corp., of Los Angeles, started a Phase Ib study to test INNO-206 in up to 24 patients with advanced solid tumors who have failed standard therapies. The trial's objective is to determine maximum tolerated dose. INNO-206 is a tumor-targeting prodrug of doxorubicin.

• FibroGen Inc., of San Francisco, and partner Astellas Pharma Inc., of Tokyo, moved FG-4592, a hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, into Phase IIb testing in anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients both on dialysis and not on dialysis. The advancement triggered a $40 million milestone payment to FibroGen under the firms' collaboration. The study is enrolling about 144 Stage III and Stage IV CKD patients with anemia in four to six cohorts and will test safety and efficacy. A secondary objective is to evaluate FG-4592 dosing to optimize anemia management in nondialysis CKD patients.

• Kythera Biopharmaceuticals Inc., of Los Angeles, reported additional efficacy data from a third Phase III study of ATX-101, an adipolytic agent aimed at reducing submental fat (SMF), with results showing a statistically significant difference for the 2 mg/cm2 dose relative to placebo for all Patient-Reported Submental Fat Impact Scale (PR-SMFIS) measures, as well as a composite PR-SMFIS score (p < 0.05.) The firm previously reported initial data from the 129-patient study showing statistically significant clinical benefit as assessed by three measures: a validated clinician scale, patient-reported outcome and magnetic resonance imaging measuring SMF volume.

• PsiOxus Therapeutics Ltd., of London, started a Phase II study of MT-102, a small-molecule, dual-action anabolic catabolic transforming agent, in patients with Stage III or Stage IV lung cancer or colorectal cancer who also are suffering severe weight loss and fatigue. The study is designed to demonstrate reversal of weight loss following treatment with MT-102 and also will examine improvement in functional ability and quality of life as quantified by a battery of previously validated instruments. About 132 cachectic patients with be enrolled. Top-line data are expected in 2012.