The progress of developing new treatments for advanced prostate cancer continues. MDV3100 (now called enzalutamide) is being developed by Medivation Inc. and Astellas Pharma Inc. It is now available in eleven states as part of additional clinical trials in prostate cancer patients who have failed hormonal therapy and who have been previously treated with docetaxel (taxotere). Enzalutamide (MDV3100) had earlier demonstrated positive Phase III clinical trial results in men with hormone-refractory prostate cancer who had or had not undergone chemotherapy with taxotere (docetaxel). On this basis, it had been placed on a fast-track for approval by the Food and Drug Administration. The drug works by disrupting a tumor cells’ ability to use testosterone by blocking the cell’s testosterone receptors thus preventing the production of androgens (testosterone) within the cell itself. It is an oral, androgen receptor antagonist and does not require co-administration of steroids such as prednisone. For further information, see the clinical trial information found in this link. MDV3100 is included on a list of prostate cancer treatments under development and has been posted on this website in the 2012 blog dated January 3, 2012.