From cell biology to therapy: ENMD-2076 in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

INTRODUCTION

Multiple myeloma (MM) remains incurable, indicating the need for continued investigation of innovative strategies. Recent progress in molecular biology has advanced the discovery of novel drugs for MM. ENMD-2076 is an orally bioavailable, multi-target kinase inhibitor with multiple mechanisms of action, including anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity, and anti-angiogenic effects.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors summarize the preclinical in vitro and in vivo data that have formed the rationale for clinical investigation of ENMD-2076 in MM. In addition, the authors review the early clinical results of ENMD-2076 in MM and other malignancies, and speculate on potential avenues of future clinical research in the development of this drug for MM.

EXPERT OPINION

There is a strong preclinical rationale for investigating ENMD-2076 in MM that is confirmed by early clinical results in an ongoing Phase I trial in patients with relapsed or refractory MM. Optimal strategies for developing ENMD-2076 in MM will require better elucidation of its mechanism of action, investigation of biomarkers for response and development of rationale synergistic combinations with other active agents.