Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:LGNDA) and Allergan Inc.(NYSE:AGN) have filed an investigation new drug application with theFDA to begin Phase I trials of their topical retinoid LGD1057 inpatients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, mycosis fungoides andcutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.Phase I trials of the oral form of LGD1057, a vitamin A derivative andan endogenous non-peptide hormone are already under way."If shown to be safe and effective, topical LGD1057 will provide a newweapon for oncologists to treat cancers not readily treatable by oraladministrations or injections," said Robert Stein, Ligand's senior vicepresident. He said the treatment inhibits the growth and modulates thedifferentiation of a variety of human cancers. Philippa Maister

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