Phase II clinical trials of a new injectable drug designed to treat metastatic malignant uveal melanoma have been launched in the US.

Hana Biosciences said that the goal of the trial is to examine the efficacy of Marqibo Optisome, with the firm also collecting data regarding the safety and anti-tumour activity of the drug.

Up to 30 patients who have not received previous treatment for the disease or for whom other treatment options have not stopped the spread of it are expected to take part in the tests, which are being conducted at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre.

Dr Agop Bedikian, a professor at institution's Melanoma Medical Oncology Department, commented: "Patients with metastatic uveal melanoma generally do not respond to systemic chemotherapy and have limited treatment options."

Currently patients who have uveal melanoma are usually treated with radiation and in cases in which the tumour has grown very large, the traditional treatment option of eye removal is still used.

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