Yingli Pharma (Yingli), a clinical stage biotechnology company developing oral small molecule drugs for cancers with high unmet need, announced today that the first patient has been dosed in a Phase 2 trial evaluating linperlisib, a potent inhibitor of the delta isoform of PI3 kinase (PI3Kδ) in patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral T/NK cell lymphoma (r/r PTCL).

This single arm study will evaluate the safety, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of orally administered linperlisib under a strategic collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Additional trial sites will include medical centers in the United States and Italy.

"We are pleased to commence this study of linperlisib in the United States in patients suffering from advanced PTCL," said Michael Hui, MBA, chief executive officer of Yingli. "Linperlisib is a next generation inhibitor of PI3Kδ with enhanced selectivity and potency to offer strong anti-tumor effect while minimizing potential adverse reactions. We are encouraged by the safety and preliminary efficacy data obtained in Phase 1 dose-finding studies in China and look forward to further evaluating linperlisib's potential in this Phase 2 study."

"Patients living with advanced PTCL, an aggressive type of lymphoma, face limited treatment options and most do not respond or stop responding to available therapies. Linperlisib may provide a solution for these patients who need an expanded treatment armamentarium, and we're excited to continue studying the drug's potential as we start the Phase 2 study."

Linperlisib, a convenient once daily oral drug, is a small molecule inhibitor of PI3Kδ, a validated target in lymphomas due to its critical role in cell proliferation and survival.