Active Biotech has started next step in the clinical development of the candidate drug TASQ against prostate cancer. A phase I dose-escalation study has been initiated with the aim of studying the safety of TASQ when given in increased doses to prostate cancer patients. The study starts as a four-week tolerance study with a possible extension up to one year for documentation of long-term tolerability and safety.

In the follow-up study, a number of efficacy parameters will also be evaluated.

The study includes patients who do not respond satisfactory on hormonal therapy, which is given in order to inhibit the male hormone testosterone's stimulating effect on prostate cancer growth.

Patient recruitment has started and is expected to proceed during the beginning of 2005. The study is carried out at the Urology clinics at the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg and at the University Hospital in Lund, the release said.