CAMBRIDGE Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30 2004--ARIAD Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ARIA) today announced results of preclinical studies showing that its lead mTOR inhibitor AP23573 augments the anti-cancer activity of widely used cytotoxic and new anti-cancer agents when given in combination. Included in the studies are the molecularly targeted drugs imatinib (Gleevec(TM)) trastuzumab (Herceptin(R)) and an EGFR inhibitor as well as the chemotherapy drugs docetaxel doxorubicin cisplatin and topotecan. Phase 1 clinical trials of AP23573 in patients with advanced cancers are currently underway and phase 2 studies are expected to begin in second quarter 2004.