Spectrum Pharmaceuticals has announced a major step in the development of its new drug to tackle prostate cancer.

According to research carried out by the company, a late-stage trial demonstrated a significant progression-free survival in patients in the advanced stages of prostate cancer.

The trial of its satraplatin drug in combination with prednisone had the effect of causing a 40 per cent reduction in the risk of disease progression when compared with patients who were given prednisone and a placebo.

The research, which involved 950 patients who had already had a previous round of chemotherapy, is considered to be highly significant given the high response discovered.

Satraplatin is a platinum-based oral chemotherapy and Spectrum has announced that it is planning to submit its application for approval to regulators in the US before the end of the year, with an application to the European regulators expected in 2007.

If approved, the drug could be available in the US before the end of 2007, with Europe seeing it arrive soon after.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd