A Phase I study to assess the safety, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of barasertib (AZD1152), an Aurora B kinase inhibitor, in Japanese patients with advanced acute myeloid leukemia

Barasertib (AZD1152) is a highly potent and selective Aurora B kinase inhibitor. The safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of barasertib were investigated in Japanese patients with advanced acute myeloid leukemia. Barasertib (50–1200 mg) was administered as a continuous 7-day intravenous infusion every 21 days. No dose-limiting toxicities were reported and barasertib 1200 mg was chosen for further evaluation in Japanese patients. Neutropenia and febrile neutropenia were the most commonly reported adverse events. The PK profile was similar to Western patients. A promising overall hematologic response rate of 19% was achieved, which warrants further investigation in these patients.