LONDON, UK I Februray 13, 2017 I Hutchison China MediTech Limited (“Chi-Med”) (AIM/Nasdaq: HCM) today announces that it has initiated the first-in-human (“FIH”) Phase I clinical trial of HMPL-453 in Australia. HMPL-453 is a novel, highly selective and potent small molecule inhibitor targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor (“FGFR”). The first drug dose was administered on February 14, 2017.

FGFRs are a sub-family of receptor tyrosine kinases. Activation of FGFR signaling pathways is central to several biological processes, including angiogenesis, tissue growth and repair. Given its complexity and critical role in a number of important physiological processes, aberrant FGFR signaling has been found to be a driving force in tumor growth, promotion of angiogenesis, as well as, conferring resistance to anti-tumor therapies. To date, there are no approved therapies specifically targeting the FGFR signaling pathway.

The FIH dose-escalation trial aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and preliminary anti-tumor activity of HMPL-453 in patients with advanced or metastatic solid malignancies, who have failed or are unable to tolerate standard therapies or for whom no standard therapies exist. This open-label study consists of two preliminary phases, a dose-escalation (stage 1) and a dose-expansion stage (stage 2).

In pre-clinical studies, HMPL-453 demonstrated superior potency and better kinase selectivity as compared to other drugs in the same class, as well as a favorable safety profile. Additional details about this study may be found at clinicaltrials.gov, using identifier NCT02966171.

About Chi-Med

Chi-Med is an innovative biopharmaceutical company which researches, develops, manufactures and sells pharmaceuticals and healthcare products. Its Innovation Platform, Hutchison MediPharma Limited, focuses on discovering and developing innovative therapeutics in oncology and autoimmune diseases for the global market. Its Commercial Platform manufactures, markets, and distributes prescription drugs and consumer health products in China.

Chi-Med is majority owned by the multinational conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings Limited (SEHK: 0001). For more information, please visit: www.chi-med.com.

SOURCE: Chi-Med