LEXINGTON, MA August 9, 2000
- Dr. Raymond P. Warrell, Jr., President and CEO of Genta
Incorporated (Nasdaq:
GNTA
)discussed key issues related to the Companys product pipeline, as
well as plans for co-development and co-marketing of its lead
antisense compound, in an interview with CEOcast.com. In the
interview, Dr. Warrell reviewed financial opportunities related to
the Companys growing pipeline, as follows:
- The
Androgenics Portfolio
consists of small molecules with a unique, dual activity that
both inhibits androgen synthesis and inactivates androgen
receptors. The Company believes that these compounds could prove
highly useful for treatment of men with prostate cancer who have
not responded to surgery or radiation. The market opportunity
could be comparable to a drug such as leuprolide (Lupron
TM
; TAP Pharmaceuticals Inc.), whose annual sales approximate 800
million dollars. Genta expects to select a lead compound later
this year, optimize its formulation, and then take that drug into
animal toxicology testing.
- The
Gallium Portfolio
includes the Companys first marketed product, Ganite
TM
(gallium nitrate injection), which is already approved in
the U.S. and Canada for treatment of cancer-related
hypercalcemia. Gallium-containing compounds may be broadly useful
for treatment of other diseases associated with accelerated loss
of bone. In addition to relaunching the Ganite
TM
product, the Company is developing new gallium formulations
that can be taken by mouth, thereby enabling extended convenient
treatment. The leading drug in the oncology area is pamidronate
(Aredia
TM
; Novartis), a drug approved for use in patients with bone
metastases, which requires intravenous infusion and has annual
sales of approximately 500 million dollars.
Lastly, Dr. Warrell discussed strategies surrounding marketing
plans and commercial partnerships, explaining that the Company
contemplates licensing its lead antisense drug, Genasense
TM
, outside North America for upfront cash, milestone payments, and
royalties on sales. He also noted that the Company intends to
directly market its products within the U.S. and Canada.
Accordingly, discussions in which the Company is currently engaged
are focused on opportunities that will enable Genta to retain an
equal share of profits with its partner.
