Chemotherapeutic Product Candidate

Irofulven (hydroxymethylacylfulvene) is the first clinical candidate from MGI PHARMA’s family of proprietary anti-cancer compounds called the acylfulvenes. This novel anti-cancer agent exhibits a unique mechanism of action that may allow it to retain activity against a variety of solid tumors, including drug-resistant cancers, and to be synergistic with several classes of approved cancer drugs.

Phase 2 trials of irofulven are being conducted in hormone-refractory prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, metastatic thyroid cancer, and inoperable liver cancer. Ongoing Phase 1 studies are assessing the potential to use irofulven in combination with widely used and approved chemotherapeutics.

Side effects from irofulven are comparable to marketed chemotherapies and include bone marrow suppression (decreased platelet or white blood cell counts), nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and visual disturbances.

About Cancer

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 18 million new cases of cancer have been diagnosed since 1990 and approximately 1.3 million new cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2005. The National Cancer Institute estimates annual direct medical costs for cancer treatment to be $40 billion in the United States.

Patients and health care providers seeking information on the various irofulven clinical trials may call MGI PHARMA toll-free at 1-800-562-5580 and press 1 to access our Medical Communications Help Line, or contact the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (TTY 1-800-332-8615).