As of January 4, 2006, Maxim Pharmaceuticals Inc. was acquired by EpiCept Corporation in a reverse merger transaction. Maxim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, develops cancer therapeutics. Its lead drug candidate, Ceplene, is in a phase III clinical trial as a remission maintenance therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia, a form of adult leukemia. The company’s Apoptosis drug is under preclinical trial; and MX8899, which is in phase I and II clinical trials for oral mucositis and radiation dermatitis. Maxim also has Ceplene for chronic liver disease under phase I and phase II clinical trials. Ceplene prevents or reverses damage associated with oxidative stress, thereby protecting critical cells and tissues. The company also engages in the discovery and development of small-molecule apoptosis inducers and inhibitors to treat various disorders, including cancers and degenerative diseases. The company conducts research and other product development through collaborative programs with universities, other clinical research sites, contract research organizations, and pharmaceutical companies. Maxim Pharmaceuticals was founded in 1954 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.