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

Abstract

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.

Keywords::

• apoptosis
• aurora kinase inhibitor
• multiple myeloma
• tyrosine kinase inhibitor

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