Xanthus Life Sciences

Xanthus Life Sciences was a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel therapeutics for oncology and CNS-related disorders. The company's lead product candidate was Xerecept (corticorelin acetate), a synthetic human corticotropin-releasing factor (hCRF) that reached Phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of peritumoral brain edema associated with cerebral tumors. Xanthus also advanced amonafide L-malate (AS1413), a DNA intercalator and topoisomerase II inhibitor, into Phase 2 trials for secondary acute myeloid leukemia. In June 2008, the company was acquired by the UK-based biotechnology firm Antisoma to bolster its oncology pipeline. Following the acquisition, Xanthus's operations were integrated into Antisoma's US presence.