Amgen said it would post results from several preclinical and clinical trials investigating cancer treatment at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2008 in San Diego between 12 and 16 April, 2008. Data would be presented on pipeline compounds: AMG 102, AMG 386, AMG 479, AMG 655 and motesanib diphosphate (AMG 706).

At AACR, Amgen would present data from studies investigating the tumour attacking potential of these products - alone or in combination with other therapies. These early studies have provided the biologic evidence to allow Amgen to launch a suite of exploratory phase Ib/II programmes with these five molecules, across 15 tumour types with more than 30 clinical trials currently underway or planned.

"These data underscore our ongoing exploration of key biological processes that influence the growth of cancer cells including angiogenesis, apoptosis and growth regulation," said David Chang, M.D., vice president, Global Oncology Development, Amgen. "In addition, Amgen is actively pursuing identification of biomarkers that will help the company make better and earlier decisions about pipeline compounds, and enable targeted application of specific therapies to the patients who are more likely to benefit from treatment with them."

The anti-angiogenesis programme would be focused on the development of molecules that will interdict the abnormal process of new blood vessel formation. Combined treatment of angiopoietin and VEGF pathway antagonists enhances anti tumour activity in preclinical models of colon carcinoma. Researchers combined AMG 386 with either bevacizumab or motesanib diphosphate (AMG 706) to explore inhibition of the VEGF/VEGFR pathways.

In-vitro activity of motesanib diphosphate, an inhibitor of VEGFR, PDGFR and Kit tyrosine kinases, against imatinib-resistant Kit mutations would also be presented. Researchers tested the activity of motesanib diphosphate (AMG 706) a small molecule inhibitor of VEGFR, PDGFR and Kit, against primary oncogenic and imatinib-resistant Kit mutations in Gleevec-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumours. Researchers explored the benefit of adding AMG 706 to radiation therapy in HNSCC models.

Cancer Cell Apoptosis is a programme focused on the development of highly selective therapies to induce cancer cell death (apoptosis). Researchers evaluated the potential for PET to measure DR5 RO non-invasively using (64) Cu-labelled AMG 655 in an AMG 655- sensitive xenograft model (Colo205).

AMG 655, a monoclonal antibody agonist directed against Death Receptor 5, induces apoptosis in human colon carcinoma cell lines and its therapeutic potential is enhanced in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Researchers evaluated the anti-tumour potential of AMG 655 when it is combined with irinotecan or 5-flurouracil in a colon cancer model.

AMG 655, a fully human agonistic antibody against Death Receptor 5, enhances the anti-tumour activity of gemcitabine in MiaPaCa2/T2, a pancreatic cancer model. Researchers evaluated the anti-tumour potential of AMG 655 when it is added to gemcitabine in a pancreatic cancer model.