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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Drug Repurposing Hypothesis Generation Using the "RE:fine Drugs" System
Published on: December 11, 2016
ASA404: update on drug development
1Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, Middlesex, HA6 2RN, UK.
Background:
Interrupting tumour blood flow and delivery of nutrients to cause tumour death is the aim of antiangiogenic and vascular disrupting agents (VDAs). ASA404 is the first VDA to enter Phase III trials.
Objective:
We review the preclinical and clinical data on this interesting agent and consider its place in modern therapeutics.
Methods:
PubMed database was searched for 'ASA404', 'AS1404', 'DMXAA', 'vascular disrupting agents', 'ASA404 clinical trials', 'AS1404 clinical trials', 'DMXAA clinical trials'.
Results/Conclusions:
ASA404 is a tumour VDA that is well tolerated and has shown promise in the treatment of NSCLC in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin. A confirmatory Phase III trial is currently ongoing.
Insights
ASA404, a novel vascular disrupting agent (VDA), shows promise in treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This VDA is well-tolerated and is currently in Phase III trials for NSCLC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Tumor Biology
Background:
- Antiangiogenic and vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) aim to inhibit tumor growth by disrupting blood flow and nutrient supply.
- ASA404 represents a pioneering VDA, being the first to advance into Phase III clinical trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing preclinical and clinical data for ASA404.
- To evaluate the potential role of ASA404 within contemporary therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed database.
- Keywords included 'ASA404', 'AS1404', 'DMXAA', and related terms for clinical trials.
Main Results:
- ASA404 is a tumor vascular disrupting agent.
- The agent has demonstrated good tolerability in clinical studies.
- Preliminary data suggest efficacy when combined with paclitaxel and carboplatin.
Conclusions:
- ASA404 is a well-tolerated tumor VDA with demonstrated promise in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment.
- Combination therapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin shows potential for NSCLC.
- A confirmatory Phase III trial is underway to validate these findings.
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