ZIOPHARM Oncology Initiates Phase 1b/2 Study for Ad-RTS-hIL-12 + Veledimex in Metastatic Breast Cancer

Strategic Insights -

ZIOPHARM Oncology has initiated a Phase 1b/2 study of Ad-RTS-hIL-12 + veledimex for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The study, which could involve up to 40 women, is designed to examine the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the immunotherapy in women with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer of all subtypes. The study will be conducted at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, led by principal investigator Heather L. McArthur, M.D. Metastatic breast cancer is generally incurable, and treatments are given with palliative intent, but can prolong survival and improve quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

  • ZIOPHARM Oncology has initiated a Phase 1b/2 study of Ad-RTS-hIL-12 + veledimex for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
  • The study will be conducted at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, led by principal investigator Heather L. McArthur, M.D.
  • Ad-RTS-hIL-12 is a novel gene therapy candidate for the controlled expression of IL-12, an important protein for collapsing tumor stroma and stimulating an anti-cancer T cell immune response.
  • The study could involve up to 40 women with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer of all subtypes.
  • Clifford A. Hudis, M.D., Chief, Breast Medicine Service, at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, stated that metastatic breast cancer is generally incurable, and treatments are given with palliative intent, but can prolong survival and improve quality of life.
  • ZIOP shares gained 2% in pre-market trading to $11.04.

Statistics:

  • Up to 40 women will be involved in the study.
  • The study will examine the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of Ad-RTS-hIL-12 immunotherapy in women with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
  • The study will be conducted at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
  • ZIOP shares gained 2% in pre-market trading to $11.04.

Sources:

  • MidnightTrader via COMTEX (Washington, DC, Apr 27, 2015)
  • ZIOPHARM Oncology (ZIOP)
  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
  • Heather L. McArthur, M.D.
  • Clifford A. Hudis, M.D.