NOX-A12 in Combination With Bortezomib and Dexamethasone in Relapsed Multiple Myeloma

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of NOX A12 alone and in combination with a background therapy of bortezomib and dexamethasone (VD) chemotherapy in previously treated patients with multiple myeloma (MM).

Malignant plasma cells express high levels of CXCR4 chemokine receptors, which cause cell migration and adhesion to stromal cells secreting the CXCR4 ligand, CXCL12 (SDF-1). NOX A12 is a specific CXCL12 antagonist and may improve chemotherapy by disrupting CXCR4-CXCL12 interactions, thereby mobilizing plasma cells from protective tissue microenvironments to the blood. Furthermore, SDF-1 inhibition may alter the activation status of plasma cells, thereby triggering apoptosis or sensitization of plasma cells towards chemotherapy.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female, aged ≥ 18 years.
2. Diagnosis of relapsed multiple myeloma for which bortezomib/dexamethasone would be given as standard of care.
3. Bortezomib-naïve or bortezomib-sensitive patient (i.e. best response of PR or better, sustained for at least 6 months), who did not receive bortezomib during the last line of therapy for MM prior to this study.
4. Progressive disease according to International Myeloma Working Group criteria.
5. Pre-study WHO Performance Status ≤ 2 and modified CIRS score of less than 7.
6. Signed and dated, written informed consent.
7. Men and women of reproductive potential must agree to follow accepted contraception methods during treatment and for 3 months after completion of treatment.
8. Acceptable liver function: Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN).
9. Acceptable hematology and hemostasis status: Platelet count ≥ 75 x 109/L, ANC \> 0.75x109/L.
10. Acceptable renal function: Serum creatinine ≤1.5 ULN and/or calculated creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/min (calculated according to Cockroft \& Gault formula).
11. No clinically significant abnormalities of liver volume, liver hemodynamics or elasticity, measured by abdominal ultrasound.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The patient has a history of, or is clinically suspicious for, cancer-related Central Nervous System disease.
2. Prior allogeneic stem cell transplant (alloSCT) or patients who are considered to be candidates for alloSCT as assessed by their treating physician.
3. Patient has a history of other active malignancies within 3 years prior to study entry, with the exception of: adequately treated in situ carcinoma of the cervix uteri; basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin; in situ carcinoma of the bladder; previous malignancy confined and surgically resected with curative intent.
4. The patient exhibits evidence of other clinically significant uncontrolled condition(s) including, but not limited to: uncontrolled systemic infection (viral, bacterial, or fungal); diagnosis of fever and neutropenia within 1 week prior to study drug administration.
5. Female patient is pregnant or breast-feeding.
6. Known infection with HIV, active Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.
7. The patient has a history of prior toxicity from bortezomib or dexamethasone that resulted in permanent discontinuation of respective treatments.
8. Clinical evidence of a current significant (grade 2 or higher) or progressive neuropathy.
9. Treatment with any other investigational agent, or participation in another clinical trial within 30 days prior to study drug administration.
10. Uncontrolled hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure \[BP\] \> 160 mm Hg or diastolic BP \> 100 mm Hg).
11. Myocardial infarction or unstable angina within the past 6 months prior to study drug administration. Heart failure of New York Heart Association functional Class III or IV prior to study drug administration.
12. Evidence of bleeding diathesis (greater than normal risk of bleeding) or coagulopathy (in the absence of therapeutic anticoagulation).
13. Systemic illnesses or other severe concurrent disease or alcoholism, which, in the judgment of the investigator, would make the patient inappropriate for entry into this study or interfere significantly with the proper assessment of safety and efficacy of the investigational treatments.
14. Known or suspected of not being able to comply with the trial protocol.
15. Having been previously enrolled in this clinical trial.