ZIOPHARM Oncology is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development and commercialization of a diverse portfolio of small molecule cancer drugs. The Company is currently focused on three clinical programs. 

Zymafos TM (palifosfamide, ZIO-201) is a novel molecule that is the functional active metabolite of ifosfamide, a standard of care for treating sarcoma, lymphoma, ovarian, testicular and other cancers.  Palifosfamide delivers only the cancer fighting component of ifosfamide. It is expected to overcome the resistance of ifosfamide and cyclophosphamide in certain cancers. It does not have the toxic metabolites of ifosfamide that cause the debilitating side effects of “fuzzy brain” (encephalopathy) and severe bladder inflammation. Intravenous (IV) palifosfamide is currently in a Phase II randomized trial to treat soft tissue sarcoma.  An oral form of palifosfamide has been developed preclinically and is expected to enter clinical study in 2009.

Zybulin TM (indibulin, ZIO-301) is a novel, oral tubulin binding agent that targets both mitosis and cancer cell migration.  Indibulin is expected to have several potential benefits, including oral dosing, application in multi-drug resistant tumors, no neuropathy and minimal overall toxicity.  Indibulin will also be applicable to dose density mathematical modeling.  Indibulin has shown early activity in a Phase I study as a single agent in many types of solid tumors.  Indibulin is also currently in the Phase I portion of Phase I/II trials in combination with Tarceva® and Xeloda®.  Preclinical study continues with both dose density and metronomic administration.

Zinapar TM (darinaparsin, ZIO-101) is a novel organic arsenic being developed for the treatment of various hematologic and solid cancers. Preclinical and Phase I and II results to date demonstrate that darinaparsin is much less toxic than other forms of arsenic. Intravenous darinaparsin continues to be studied in a Phase II hematology trial showing activity in lymphomas and in Phase I study with oral administration.  Darinaparsin has been well tolerated in all trials to date.

ZIOPHARM’s operations are located in Boston, MA with an executive office in New York.