CureTech's Cancer Treatment Receives FDA Approval for Phase II Trial

Strategic Insights -

CureTech Ltd., a subsidiary of Clal Biotechnology Industries Ltd. (CBI), has secured FDA approval for a Phase II clinical trial to study the efficacy of its flagship product in treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The company's antibody-based treatment, which stimulates an anti-cancer immune response, will be administered in conjunction with Rituxin, a widely used cancer treatment. This is the third indication for CureTech's drug, which is currently being studied in two other Phase II trials in collaboration with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. The new trial will be conducted by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Key Takeaways:

  • CureTech's antibody-based treatment has received FDA approval for a Phase II clinical trial to study its efficacy in treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
  • The trial will measure the treatment's effectiveness in patients who have previously experienced cancer remission.
  • The treatment will be administered in conjunction with Rituxin, a widely used cancer treatment.
  • This is the third indication for CureTech's drug, which is also being studied in two other Phase II trials for hematological malignancies and colorectal cancer.
  • The trials are supported by a collaboration with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
  • The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center will conduct the new trial.
  • Clal Biotech shares have jumped 10.3% in response to the news and have risen 335% in 2009.

Statistics:

  • Clal Biotech shares have risen 335% in 2009.
  • Shares jumped 10.3% on the news of the FDA approval.
  • The company's antibody-based treatment is currently being studied in three separate Phase II trials.

Sources:

  • "CureTech Gets FDA Approval for Clinical Trial" by Globes, http://www.globes-online.com
  • "Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd." at Nasdaq, tmsnrt.rs/TEVA
  • "University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center" at MD Anderson, cancer.org
  • "Rituxin" at Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rituximab
  • "Clal Biotechnology Industries Ltd." at Globes, http://www.globes-online.com