Human Genome Sciences, Inc. Says Cancer Drug, Mapatumumab Fails to Improve Survival
The results showed no difference in disease response or progression-free survival for the combination that included mapatumumab vs. the control group receiving bortezomib alone, and showed that mapatumumab was well tolerated in this study. HGS expects to present the results in full at an appropriate scientific meeting, hopefully later in 2010.
About the HGS Oncology Program
Mapatumumab is an agonistic human monoclonal antibody that directly induces cancer cell death by specifically binding to and activating the protein known as TRAIL receptor 1. A randomized Phase 2 trial is currently underway to evaluate mapatumumab's potential, in combination with Nexavar (sorafenib), in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular cancer. HGS expects to initiate the randomization stage of the hepatocellular cancer study before the end of 2010.
The Company is investing strategically to expand and advance its oncology portfolio around its expertise in the apoptosis, or programmed cell death, pathway. In November 2009, HGS and Aegera Therapeutics announced the initiation of a Phase 1 trial of HGS' lead IAP inhibitor, HGS1029, as monotherapy in patients with advanced lymphoid tumors. HGS1029 as monotherapy is also being studied in an ongoing Phase 1 study initiated in 2008 in patients with advanced solid tumors. The IAP inhibitors are a novel class of compounds that block the activity of IAP (inhibitor of apoptosis) proteins, allowing apoptosis to proceed and causing the cancer cells to die. When IAP proteins are over-expressed in cancer cells, they can help cancer cells resist apoptosis and resume growth and proliferation. HGS plans to continue the study of HGS1029 both alone and in combination with other anti-cancer agents, including mapatumumab.
About Human Genome Sciences
The mission of HGS is to apply great science and great medicine to bring innovative drugs to patients with unmet medical needs. The HGS clinical development pipeline includes novel drugs to treat lupus, hepatitis C, inhalation anthrax and cancer.
For more information about HGS, please visit the Company's web site at www.hgsi.com. Health professionals and patients interested in clinical trials of HGS products may inquire via e-mail to medinfo@hgsi.com or by calling HGS at (877) 822-8472.
HGS and Human Genome Sciences are trademarks of Human Genome Sciences, Inc. Other trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners.
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements are based on Human Genome Sciences' current intent, belief and expectations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements because of Human Genome Sciences' unproven business model, its dependence on new technologies, the uncertainty and timing of clinical trials and regulatory approvals, Human Genome Sciences' ability to develop and commercialize products, its dependence on collaborators for services and revenue, its substantial indebtedness and lease obligations, its changing requirements and costs associated with facilities, intense competition, the uncertainty of patent and intellectual property protection, Human Genome Sciences' dependence on key management and key suppliers, the uncertainty of regulation of products, the impact of future alliances or transactions and other risks described in the Company's filings with the SEC. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of today's date. Human Genome Sciences undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.
SOURCE: Human Genome Sciences, Inc.
Human Genome Sciences, Inc. Media: Jerry Parrott, 301-315-2777 Vice President, Corporate Communications or Investors: Peter Vozzo, 301-251-6003 Senior Director, Investor Relations
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