IPI-926 is a novel, proprietary, semi-synthetic derivative of the natural product, cyclopamine, that inhibits the Hedgehog signaling pathway by binding to the Smoothened receptor.

When systemically administered in multiple preclinical animal models, IPI-926 has shown potent and selective inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway, anti-tumor activity, and attractive pharmacologic properties including oral bioavailability and extended half-life.

Preclinical data on IPI-926 were presented during the 2008 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting. Please visit the Publications Archive to view these and other publications on Infinity’s Hedgehog pathway inhibitor program. 

Data presented at AACR showed that in a novel model of medulloblastoma, IPI-926 demonstrated excellent oral bioavailability, a long plasma half-life and duration of action, and good distribution to tumor tissue. In addition, daily oral administration of IPI-926 led to dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth, with tumor regression seen at higher doses.

Additional data presented at AACR demonstrated that IPI-926 delayed tumor growth following chemotherapy in a preclinical model of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). In a this model, following tumor debulking with a similar treatment regimen to that used clinically in patients with SCLC, once-daily oral administration of IPI-926 led to a statistically significant delay in tumor re-growth as compared to vehicle control.

Infinity anticipates commencing clinical development of IPI-926 in 2008.

In June 2007, Infinity was issued a U.S. patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office broadly covering the composition of matter of a genus of compounds, including IPI-926, useful for modulating the Hedgehog signaling pathway.