Singapore: Australia-based biopharmaceutical company, Specialised Therapeutics Australia (STA), has achieved positive results of two Phase III trials of the novel compound, anamorelin, a first-in-class, orally active, ghrelin receptor agonist developed for the treatment of cancer-anorexia-cachexia syndrome (CACS).

CACS is a common and debilitating condition in patients with cancer, characterized by decreased body weight and lean body mass thereby limiting function and diminishing quality of life (QoL).

According to the company, anamorelin may improve the lives of patients with advanced NSCLC, establishing a standard of care for the treatment of CACS, which is an area of significant unmet medical need.

Australian palliative care expert and principal trial investigator, Professor David Currow, commented that the positive Phase III trial results paves the way for better management of anorexia-cachexia.

He said, "Anorexia-cachexia is a debilitating complication that develops in up to 80 percent of patients with advanced cancer and is highly predictive of poor treatment outcomes in patients who are receiving chemotherapy."

"Early management is key to preventing disease progression and deterioration in quality of life. These Phase III trial results pave the way for an effective new supportive treatment option for patients with anorexia-cachexia where, to date, there have been no registered treatments available."

Mr Carlo Montagner, CEO, Specialised Therapeutics Australia, commented, "There are currently no approved or effective treatment options for cancer patients with anorexia-cachexia. This condition affects a significant number of patients with advanced cancer and severely diminishes their function on a day-to-day basis and their quality of life, potentially compromising their cancer treatment.