CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sep 21, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ARIA +0.39% today announced the start of patient dosing in an international Phase 1/2 clinical trial of AP26113, an investigational dual inhibitor of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) — two clinically validated targets in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). AP26113 is the third novel, small-molecule drug candidate for the treatment of cancer that was discovered by ARIAD scientists and has advanced into clinical development.

The initial Phase 1 dose-escalation trial will include patients with advanced solid tumors, particularly those with NSCLC. Patients enrolled in this multicenter study will be either refractory to available therapies or have no standard treatment available to them. The primary objective of the Phase 1 segment of the Phase 1/2 trial is to determine the initial safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic profile, recommended dose (anticipated to be once daily), and preliminary anti-tumor activity of AP26113. ARIAD expects to enroll approximately 30 to 50 patients in this portion of the trial.