Targeted failure of the week. Post No 116. CUDC-427.

CUDC-427 is an oral, synthetic, small molecule that triggers tumor cell apoptosis by selectively antagonizing inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins, which are frequently over-expressed in cancer cells. CUDC-427 was designed to mimic the endogenous IAP antagonist, second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases/direct IAP-binding protein (Smac/DIABLO) that is released into the cytoplasm in response to pro-apoptotic stimuli and binds to the IAPs.

And do you know what?

Curis Inc said it had been stopped from enrolling any new patients in an early stage trial of its experimental cancer drug following the death of a patient who had liver failure.

Curis's shares fell 10 percent in premarket trading after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration placed a partial hold on the trial.

The company said the FDA was seeking additional data on patients treated with the drug, CUDC-427.

Curis said it expects to respond to the agency's requests in a timely manner.

The early-stage trial was initiated in the third quarter of 2013 in patients with advanced solid tumors or lymphomas.

One patient with advanced breast cancer developed what the company said were "serious adverse events" related to liver function.

The patient died of liver failure about one month after the treatment was discontinued, Curis said.

The company also reported a bigger-than-expected quarterly loss on Wednesday.

Curis shares closed at $3.89 on Tuesday on the Nasdaq.