Analysis of:
Glaxo Tests Tykerb vs Herceptin in Early Cancer (www.therapeuticsdaily.com)
Glaxo is trying to move Tykerb ahead of Herceptin in a first line/neoajuvant/adjuvant setting in Her2Neu + Breast cancer.
Analysis of:
US Drug Stocks Edge Higher, But ImClone Falls On Downgrade (news.ino.com)
Erbitux was touted to have a positive study in Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLCA) but all they said was that is was a positive study. No further info at that time but an executive bought a block of stock a few days before the announcement which led to an inevitable rise in the stock price! Does this...
Analysis of:
Cancer-Gene Test Boosts Myriad's Sales (online.wsj.com)
Myriad Genetics Inc. went directly to the patients who then were tested whether the tests were indicated or paid for by insurers or out of their own pockets. If patients have "medical savings accts" as suggested by various political candidates, right or wrong patients will want it with this kind...
Analysis of:
Curis Announces Genentech's Initiation of Hedgehog Antagonist Phase II Clinical Trial In Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (www.pipelinereview.com)
GDC-0449 is an oral agent that will be added to "standard" therapy in metastatic colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and evaluating progression free survival as the primary objective.
Analysis of:
AmpliMed Corporation Announces Start of Randomized Phase 2 Trial of Amplimexon in Pancreatic Cancer (www.pipelinereview.com)
An interesting randomized phase II trial of Gemzar (the current standard with Tarceva) vs imexon + Gemzar. BUT shouldn't it be compared to Gemzar/ Tarceva??
Analysis of:
AstraZeneca Files Marketing Application in Europe for EGFR Inhibitor Gefitinib (IRESSA(TM)) in Locally Advanced Pre-Treated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (www.pipelinereview.com)
Approval will be base on the phase III INTEREST trial that showed in NSCLC that Iressa was "non-inferior" to standard chemotherapy after platinum therapy failure first line. Iressa was better tolerated and had an improved quality of life.
Analysis of:
Micromet Enrolls First Patient in Phase 1 Clinical Trial with MT110, the First BiTE Antibody for Treatment of Solid Tumors (www.pipelinereview.com)
Micromet's Bite antibodies strategy garners the patient's T-cells to attack tumor cells. This technology showed proof of principle i hematological malignancies , and now a Phase I clinical trial has commenced for solid tumors. The rationale is intriguing, but immunotherapy has been elusive in solid...
Analysis of:
New Study Ties Genes To Leukemia Treatment (online.wsj.com)
Gene mutation analysis can help refine therapy in acute leukemia and impact on results!!
Analysis of:
Wider Aim for Rituxan Fails (online.wsj.com)
Rituxan failed to improve various parameters and targets in a rather comprehensive study of patients with Lupus.
Analysis of:
IL-21 mediates apoptosis through up-regulation of the BH3 family member BIM and enhances both direct and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in primary chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells in vitro (bloodjournal.hematologylibrary.org)
ZymoGenetic appears to have a biologic that will expedite lymphocytes apoptosis (destruction) when combined with Fludara and Rituxan- 2 standard agents in this rather common & occasional refractory condition.