Berg Pharma launches clinical trial on BPM 31543 for prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA)

Berg Pharma launches clinical trial on BPM 31543 for prevention of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) PR Newswire NEW YORK, July 23, 2012 NEW YORK, July 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Berg Pharma, a Boston-based pharmaceutical company focused on discovery and development of new treatments in cancer and metabolic diseases, announced the initiation of a clinical trial entitled "Phase I Dose-Escalation Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of a Topical Compound 31543 in Adult Patients Receiving Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Breast Cancer." The trial will be conducted at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Chemotherapy-induced alopecia ("CIA") has been cited as the most disturbing anticipated side effect by the majority of women preparing for chemotherapy, with nearly 10% being at risk of avoiding treatment due to anticipated hair loss. There is currently no treatment available to prevent CIA and causes the patient significant psychological stress and self-awareness of being in a cancer state. Joaquin J. Jimenez, MD, Associate Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery and an international leader in hair research said, "We have reached a pivotal point in which research meets clinical innovation. There is no doubt that the partnership of Berg Pharma and Memorial Sloan- Kettering will bring us closer to finding a solution for chemotherapy-induced alopecia.