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MediGene AG Presents Positive Safety Data from the Clinical Phase I/II Trial of Cancer-Killing Virus NV1020 |
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31 May 2006 |
MediGene AG has published positive safety data obtained in a clinical trial of the cancer-killing virus NV1020 for the treatment of liver metastases. These data were presented during the DDW (Digestive Disease Week) Conference in Los Angel
MARTINSRIED, Germany and SAN DIEGO, CA, USA | May 31, 2006 | The German-American biotech company MediGene AG(Frankfurt, TecDAX) has published positive safety data obtained in a clinical trial of the cancer-killing virus NV1020 for the treatment of liver metastases. These data were presented during the DDW (Digestive Disease Week) Conference in Los Angeles.
NV1020 are herpes simples viruses (HSV) genetically modified for the specific destruction of tumor cells without harming healthy tissue. The trial is designed for a repeated treatment of various groups of patients with different dosages of NV1020, followed by chemotherapy. The virus doses were well tolerated by all patients participating in the trial, and were easily combined with the subsequent standard tumor therapies. There was no indication of a systemic HSV infection or any clinically relevant side effects after administration of NV1020.
Dr. Peter Heinrich, Chief Executive Officer of MediGene AG, comments: "We have achieved an important intermediate result of this trial. Safety requirements are extraordinarily stringent for a highly innovative technology such as our oncolytic viruses. We are glad that we have taken these hurdle in the first escalating stages, and eagerly await further results of the trial, especially regarding the average survival rate."
NV1020: MediGene's oncolytic herpes simplex virus (HSV) NV1020 is designed to selectively multiply in tumor cells, thus destroying the tumor (oncolysis), whereby fewer side effects are expected than in conventional therapies. They could provide a therapeutic alternative against tumors that are inoperable or have developed a resistance to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Moreover, the combination of oncolytic HSV and standard therapies such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy may create a synergistic effect.
Trial design: The trial is composed of a first part to determine the appropriate dosage, which is now completed, followed by a phase II part to investigate tolerability and efficacy achieved by administration of the ideal dose of NV1020. The patients participating in the trial suffer from inoperable colorectal adenocarcinoma. In the course of the trial, NV1020 is administered to these patients four times, followed by standard chemotherapy.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgment of MediGene as of the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are no guarantees for future performance, and the forward-looking events discussed in this press release may not occur. MediGene disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements. MediGeneTM is a trademarks of MediGene AG
SOURCE: MediGene AG |
