Lung Cancer Vaccine Enters Large-Scale Clinical Trial

[RandyW]

Lung Cancer Vaccine Enters Large-Scale Clinical Trial

LONDON, Jan. 11, 2007-A new treatment for the most common form of lung cancer, developed from initial research by Cancer Research UK scientists, has entered a pivotal phase III clinical trial.

The drug, called Stimuvax, is a type of therapeutic vaccine that targets a specific protein found in many tumours, including non-small cell lung cancer. It was developed by Canadian biotech company Biomira following Cancer Research UK-funded studies led by Professor Joyce Taylor-Papadimitriou of Guy’s Hospital, London. Biomira have already run phase II trials with very encouraging results.

The international phase III trial, named START (Stimulating Targeted Antigenic Responses To NSCLC), is expected to enrol its first patient this month. Run by pharmaceutical company Merck KGaA, it will eventually include more than 1,300 lung cancer patients in 30 countries, including

Dr Keith Blundy, chief operating officer of CRT, said: “We are extremely pleased that Stimuvax has entered the final stage of clinical trials. The drug is one of CRT’s portfolio of more than 20 partnered agents in clinical development. Targeted vaccines are an exciting approach that could potentially offer new treatment options for major types of cancer.”