Cytogen Corp. announced the start of Phase I clinical trials of itsOncoRad therapeutic for treating prostate cancer.

A monoclonal antibody-based agent linked to the cytotoxicradioisotope yttrium-k80, other OncoRad products are alreadyin clinical trials for the treatment of ovarian cancer (Phase II)and gastrointestinal cancer (Phase I). The latter is licensed toSterling Winthrop Inc., an Eastman Kodak unit, and is adesignated orphan drug.

The Phase I studies are designed primarily to determine themaximum tolerated dose of OncoRad prostate. The studies willinitially take place at two U.S. cancer centers.

Cytogen (NASDAQ:CYTO) of Princeton, N.J., said its monoclonalantibody for treating prostate cancer is also used in thecompany diagnostic-imaging product, OncoScint prostate, nowin Phase III trials. The cytotoxin is the same radioisotope asthat used in its ovarian cancer therapeutic.

Cytorad Inc. (NASDAQ:CYTDZ), the research and developmentcompany spun off by Cytogen in an initial public offering ofcallable stock last February, will fund development of OncoRadprostate.

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