MDV 3100 is a promising new treatment under clinical development by Medivation, Inc. and Astellas Pharma Inc. for advanced prostate cancer patients who have already received chemotherapy with taxotere (docetaxel) as well as those who have not been treated with taxotere. MDV3100 slows growth and induces cell death in bicalutamide (casodex)-resistant cancers via three complementary actions. MDV3100 blocks testosterone binding to the androgen receptor, impedes movement of the androgen receptor to the nucleus of prostate cancer cells (nuclear translocation) and inhibits binding to DNA. In preclinical experiments published in Science in April 2009(3), the novel, triple-acting, oral androgen receptor antagonist MDV3100 provided more complete suppression of the androgen receptor pathway than bicalutamide (casodex), the most commonly used anti-androgen drug. For further information, see the February 15th, 2011 issue of ZERO HOUR – an action advisory from ZERO – the project to end prostate cancer.
Positive Phase III clinical trial results for MDV 3100 have been recently disclosed. See the November 18th, 2011 blog from this website.