A deluge of pre-ASCO data hits the market

Fri, 16 May 2008 06:59:57 -0400

As we mentioned earlier this week, data from almost 5,000 clinical studies was released last night in preparation for next week's ASCO meeting. And some of the most interesting data won't be released until the conference. In the meantime, here's a sampling of the trial results that are making waves today.

Kidney cancer patients taking Novartis' RAD001 (everolimus) had progression of their disease delayed by a year, a significantly better result than in those taking placebo. Release
Amgen's brain tumor drug AMG-102 may only work on a subset of patients. The data is from a small Phase II study of the drug. On a better note, Amgen said denosumab cut the risk of bone fractures in cancer patients, outperforming Novartis' Zometa in an early stage trial. Release
A Phase III trial of Avastin for early-stage colon cancer will be available sooner than previously thought, said Genentech, because of faster data collection and more patients with the disease. Data will be available in 2008--a full year earlier than previously planned. Release
BioVex said data from a Phase II trial of OncoVEX demonstrated an impressive rate and durability of response in patients with advanced metastatic melanoma. Release
Nektar Therapeutics announced results form a Phase I study of NKTR-102. The data shows significant anti-tumor activity in patients with refractory solid tumors. Release

Zosano rounds up $45M in VC

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 06:59:57 -0500

Fremont, CA-based Zosano Pharma has received $45 million in its second round, bringing its total funding thus far to $90 million. Enterprise Associates, Nomura Phase4 Ventures, HBM BioVentures and ProQuest Investments participated in the round. Zosano is developing a transdermal microprojection delivery system, a small patch and applicator that is designed as an alternative to vaccines administered with needles.

"This second closing supports our continued progress with Zosano's lead program, a PTH patch for treating osteoporosis, which is currently in Phase 2 development," said Cory Zwerling, Zosano's CEO. "Our PTH development program is on track and we are also moving other Zosano activities forward."

- see this release for more

PLUS: Woburn-MA-based BioVex has garnered $35 million in a second round of Series E financing. The company is developing biologics for the treatment and prevention of cancer and infectious disease. The money will fund BioVex's Phase III study of OncoVexGM-CSF for the treatment of melanoma as well as to complete studies in head and neck cancer and pancreatic cancer. Triathlon Medical Ventures led the round. Release

Related Articles:
BioVex raises $22M for ongoing cancer trial. Report
BioVex moving HQ to Mass. Report