Callisto is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of drugs to treat multiple myeloma, other cancers and osteolytic bone disease. Callisto’s lead drug candidate, Atiprimod, is a small-molecule, orally available compound with anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic activity. Atiprimod successfully completed Phase I clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis patients and was found to be well-tolerated with no severe side effects.
Callisto submitted an IND in September 2003 to take Atiprimod into a Phase I/IIa clinical trial in multiple myeloma patients. This trial is anticipated to begin December 2003. Atiprimod is also being evaluated as an agent to treat osteolytic bone disease. In collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, Atiprimod is also being evaluated for its potential as a drug for the treatment of other cancers.
Callisto has other innovative technology platforms focused on the development of an analog of the human intestinal hormone, uroguanylin, to treat colon cancer, and broad-spectrum drug candidates to protect against staphylococcal and streptococcal toxins, lethal bioweapons that can be used in bioterrorism.