Benzinga | Sep 27, 2021 08:15AM EDT

Rafael Pharma Reports APOLLO613 Phase 1/2 Trial Of CPI-613 In Combo With Hydroychloroquine In Patients With Relapse Clear Cell Sarcoma Begins Enrolling In Duarte, California

Rafael Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Rafael" or the "Company"), a leader in the growing field of cancer metabolism-based therapeutics, announced that the Phase 1 clinical trial of CPI-613(r) (devimistat) in combination with hydroxychloroquine in patients with clear cell sarcoma is open for enrollment. The clinical trial will begin enrolling patients at City of Hope in Duarte, California, with other sites across the country to quickly follow.

"Clear cell sarcoma is truly one of the most challenging sarcomas to treat, as it often spreads quickly to other parts of the body and prognosis is generally poor," said Sanjeev Luther, President and CEO of Rafael Pharmaceuticals. "The opening of this trial at City of Hope and several other sites across the country has the potential to grant a population with significant unmet medical needs a promising new treatment option."

"We are optimistic that this trial will provide a potential path forward for individuals suffering from clear cell sarcoma, one of the rarest diseases in the world," said Mark Agulnik M.D., principal investigator from City of Hope.

"This aggressive sarcoma afflicts patients of all ages, especially children and young adults. Currently available standard therapies are limited in their benefit to patients," said Rashmi Chugh, M.D., medical oncologist from the University of Michigan. Matteo Trucco M.D., pediatric oncologist from the Cleveland Clinic added, "This trial is pivotal as we work towards additional treatment options for patients and families affected by this aggressive disease." Chugh and Trucco are both co-principal investigators on this multicenter study.

According to the National Cancer Institute, clear cell sarcoma is so rare, it is relatively unknown how many people suffer from it. Although treatment options are scarce, the increased research around this cancer and potential treatment options signals hope for patients, families, caregivers and doctors.