VARGATEF

Vargatef (BIBF-1120)is a multikinase inhibitor under development by Boehringer-Ingelheim primarily as an antiangiogenic and antineoplastic (ovarian and non-small cell lung cancer) agent. It inhibits kinase receptors that mediate the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet derived (PDGFalpha), fibroblasts growth factor (FGF) and Src family of kinases (Lck, Lyn, and FLT-3). Cell proliferation is inhibited by vargatef at 10-80 nmol/L. Currently 18 clinical trials with Vargatef in cancer and 3 in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are listed on Clinicaltrials.gov. One Phase I safety study and one Phase II study with Vagatef in patients with IPF have been completed, but the results of the phase II trial have not been posted by the sponsor. Another trial is being planned in Japan.