Melanoma 'pharmaccine' enters Phase II clinical trials

Published: 1-Nov-2002
Regulatory


Oxxon Pharmaccines, a biotechnology company developing innovative therapeutic vaccines (pharmaccines), has announced that its PrimeBoost melanoma pharmaccine has moved into Phase II clinical trials in the UK, following encouraging Phase I results.

Oxxon's proprietary PrimeBoost technique involves sequential immunisation with two different vectors carrying the same disease-associated protein(s). The two-stage regime significantly enhances the patient's own ability to recognise and destroy cancerous or infected cells. Results from the Phase I trial showed the PrimeBoost melanoma pharmaccine to be well tolerated in all patients. Furthermore, immune responses were significantly greater in those treated with the PrimeBoost pharmaccine than in those who received only one component.

Dr Deirdre Gillespie, Oxxon's ceo, said: 'The Phase I results of our PrimeBoost melanoma pharmaccine have been very encouraging and, importantly, confirm the ability of PrimeBoost to stimulate a cellular immune response in patients with cancer. Consequently, we have quickly moved our melanoma product into a Phase II programme in which we will focus on clinical endpoints.' Melanoma accounts for about 4% of skin cancer cases, but causes about 79% of skin cancer deaths. The number of new cases is on the rise both in Europe and the US. Currently, there are no consistently effective therapies for the advanced disease.

Oxxon has a number of other products using its PrimeBoost technology in Phase II clinical trials, including a pharmaccine for chronic hepatitis B infection, and preventative vaccines for malaria and HIV.

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