Cell Therapeutics Inc. (CTI) announced that it has filed aninvestigational new drug (IND) application with the FDA for itslead compound, ProTec (CT-1501R), for the prevention andtreatment of septic shock.

This is the fourth IND that privately held CTI of Seattle hasfiled on CT-1501R, which is a small molecule lysophosphatidateacyltransferase (LPAAT) inhibitor.

CTI scientists have identified LPAAT as a key enzyme thatcontrols the production of a unique species of phosphatidicacid, a lipid signaling intermediate coupled to a variety ofcytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1(IL-1), platelet activating factor (PAF) and platelet derivedgrowth factor (PDGF). Apparently even the direct activation ofinflammatory cells by bacterial endotoxin activates thisphospholipid pathway, which is called the Bursten Pathway.

CTI is also developing CT-1501R as adjunctive therapy toprevent toxicity in cancer patients. Earlier this year thecompany initiated four U.S. Phase I trials in patients receivingbone marrow transplants, high-dose chemotherapy for solidtumors and interleukin-2 for renal cell carcinoma or melanoma.CTI also filed two INDs in Canada in July for limiting the toxicside effects of cancer chemotherapy. -- Jennifer Van Brunt

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