
VTX-2337 is a novel, investigational small molecule that targets Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8). PLD is the standard of care for the treatment of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and encouraging data have been reported with PLD and VTX-2337 in a recently completed Phase 1b study (GOG-9925, NCT01294293).
The Phase 2 GOG-3003 study has reached its target enrollment with more than 290 patients randomized at over 85 institutions throughout North America. The study is being performed in collaboration with the Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) Partners Program. Women were randomized to receive PLD plus VTX-2337 or PLD plus placebo. The primary endpoint of the trial is overall survival.
“There are limited treatments available for women with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and completion of this study brings us closer to validating new cancer immunotherapies like VTX 2337 as a new treatment option. We are hopeful that this novel approach of combining a selective modulator of the innate immune system with chemotherapy may extend survival for woman with ovarian cancer,” said Bradley Monk, University of Arizona Cancer Center at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, chair of the study.
“Completion of enrollment in the large, randomized GOG-3003 trial and receipt of orphan drug designation for VTX-2337 in ovarian cancer are important milestones for VentiRx in the development of our novel immunomodulator VTX-2337,” said Robert Hershberg, president and chief executive officer of VentiRx. “We appreciate the tremendous effort of the GOG in the enrollment of this trial ahead of schedule, and look forward to the event-driven analysis in late 2015.”
GOG-3003 is one of two Phase 2 clinical trials of VTX-2337 currently underway. The second trial, called Active8, is a company-sponsored, randomized, Phase 2 placebo-controlled trial in patients with locally advanced and metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The study is evaluating VTX-2337 in combination with cetuximab and chemotherapy vs. cetuximab and chemotherapy alone. Progression-free survival is the primary endpoint. The Active8 trial is currently enrolling patients in the United States. More information on this trial is available at clinicaltrials.gov.
The company also announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Orphan Drug designation to VTX-2337 for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Orphan Drug Designation is granted by the FDA Office of Orphan Drug Products and is given to drugs that meet certain criteria and are designed to treat a rare disease or condition affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States.
Date: April 17, 2014
Source: VentiRx