Stem Cell Trials Show Early Promise for Mesothelioma Treatment, Baron & Budd Reports

New Defactnib Drug Reportedly Shrinks Tumors

DALLAS (April 28, 2015) – A clinical trial being held in multiple countries has yielded effective results in patients with mesothelioma, the mesothelioma law firm of Baron & Budd reports. The trial involves the use of the new drug defactnib, which is being marketed by biopharmaceutical company Verastem, Inc.

The trial, which is currently in its second phase, involves 180 patients in 13 countries. Defactnib is being tested to gauge its effectiveness in killing stem cells, which have been linked to the spreading of tumors as well as their recurrence. While the main focus of the trial has been on treating mesothelioma cells, positive results have also been achieved attacking cells associated with other types of cancer as well.

For 12 days prior to undergoing surgery for mesothelioma, patients participating in the trial were treated with a combination of defactnib and pemetrexed, a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat the disease. Tumors shrunk in 70 percent of those patients. The drug is designed to inhibit the formation of a specific type of protein located in stem cells known as Focal Adhesion Kinase. When this protein is obstructed, cancer cells are unable to grow.

“These and other exciting developments continue to build belief that there may be an end to this horrible disease in sight,” said Russell Budd, president and managing shareholder of the mesothelioma law firm Baron and Budd. “It is extremely encouraging to see signs of progress occur on a regular basis.”

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the lining of the lung, abdomen and, in some instances, the heart. It has only one known cause – the ingestion or inhalation of asbestos fibers.

About Baron & Budd, P.C.

Established in 1977, Baron & Budd, P.C. is a prominent plaintiffs’ law firm committed to protecting the rights of individuals, municipalities, businesses and other entities. One of the first law firms to successfully litigate an asbestos lawsuit, Baron & Budd continues to actively represent veterans, industry workers, and others who have mesothelioma or asbestos-related lung cancer. Determined to fight for the public interest, Baron & Budd is one of the largest plaintiffs’ firms in the country with a robust practice that includes asbestos exposure cases, environmental contamination, Gulf Oil spill damages, unsafe pharmaceuticals and medical devices, overtime violations, and financial fraud. Baron & Budd achieved the largest mesothelioma verdict in the United States in 2012. Visit Fight Mesothelioma, Baron & Budd’s dedicated mesothelioma website FightMesothelioma.com or call 855-280-7664 for information on medical treatments, mesothelioma cancer doctors and treatment centers, high risk jobs, veterans issues and financial assistance for asbestos cancer care.