Stemline Therapeutics, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), a voluntary health organization, have announced their collaboration to accelerate the development of SL-401 for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN), a rare hematological disorder with both leukemic and lymphomatous characteristics.
LLS has committed over $3m to support this effort, as well as providing a comprehensive educational program to increase physician and patient awareness of BPDCN.
SL-401, a novel targeted therapy directed to cancer stem cells (CSCs) and tumor bulk, has demonstrated efficacy in patients with advanced AML and BPDCN.
This includes multiple durable complete responses (CRs) in both indications, a greater than 80% overall response rate (ORR) in BPDCN to date, and a notable improvement in overall survival (OS) of third-line AML patients relative to historical data.
Stemline Therapeutics chief medical officer Dr Eric Rowinsky noted the company is delighted that LLS, whose efforts have brought forward advances in treating hematologic cancers and improved the lives of patients worldwide, recognizes the potential of SL-401 in a wide range of hematologic malignancies.
"LLS plans to dedicate significant time and resources to enhance SL-401's development through a host of mechanisms uniquely at its disposal. LLS will increase awareness and provide education about BPDCN, which will undoubtedly result in improved care for patients," Dr Rowinsky added.