CC-486 for angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma

CC-486 is in development for relapsed or refractory angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). AITL is a fast-growing type of T-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma marked by enlarged lymph nodes and increased antibodies in the blood. Other symptoms may include a skin rash, fever, weight loss, or night sweats. AITL is more resistant to conventional chemotherapy than other forms of lymphoma and is generally associated with a poor outcome. In relapsed or refractory disease, survival durations are in the range of only a few months meaning there is unmet medical need in this patient population.
CC-486 is an oral drug that can be incorporated into the genetic material of cells (RNA and DNA) instead of their natural building-block, cytidine. It is thought to work by altering the way the cell turns genes on and off and also by interfering with the production of new RNA and DNA. This helps to correct the problems with the maturation and growth of young blood cells in the bone marrow and to kill cancerous cells in blood cancers. If licenced, CC-486 will provide an additional therapy option for AITL patients who have relapsed or become resistant to previous treatment.