Biothera Immunotherapy Combination Results In Tumor Reduction During Maintenance Phase Of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Study

GENEVA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The combination of the investigational cancer immunotherapy Imprime PGG and the monoclonal antibody bevacizumab achieved additional meaningful reductions in tumor burden during the maintenance phase of Biothera’s recent phase 2 clinical trial in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The new data will be released today at the European Lung Cancer Conference.

“These results highlight the efficacy of Imprime PGG and show the potential for continued tumor regressions on chemotherapy-free maintenance therapy for some patients.”

Biothera conducted a randomized Phase 2 clinical study in non-squamous NSCLC in which Imprime PGG was administered in combination with bevacizumab and platinum-based doublet chemotherapy. After four to six cycles of treatment, patients received maintenance therapy of bevacizumab with or without Imprime PGG. Further meaningful reductions in tumor burden (>10mm) were observed in 6 (20%) of patients in the Imprime PGG group, but not in the control group.

“Patients receiving the combination of Imprime PGG and bevacizumab experienced further reduction in their tumor burden than with bevacizumab therapy alone,” said Ada Braun, M.D., Ph.D., Biothera Chief Medical Officer. “These results highlight the efficacy of Imprime PGG and show the potential for continued tumor regressions on chemotherapy-free maintenance therapy for some patients.”

The results of the Biothera NSCLC study evaluating the addition of Imprime PGG to bevacizumab and carboplatin/paclitaxel versus bevacizumab and chemotherapy alone were highly promising. In comparing the treatment and control groups, the objective response rate was 60.4% versus 43.5%, duration of response was 10.3 months versus 5.6 months and median overall survival was 16.1 months versus 11.6 months.

Biothera’s poster presentation is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. WEDT on Thursday, April 16 in Hall 1 at the Palexpo Exhibition Centre. The poster is number 112P and entitled, “Efficacy and Safety of Imprime PGG, a Novel Innate Immune Modulator, in Combination with Bevacizumab (Bev), Carboplatin and Paclitaxel for the 1st-Line Treatment of Stage IV NSCLC.”

About Biothera

Biothera is a privately held biotechnology company developing Imprime PGG, a late clinical stage immunotherapeutic drug candidate that modulates key immune cells to recognize and kill cancer. Proof of concept has been established from randomized and single-arm Phase 2 studies in non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Studies are ongoing in metastatic colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In addition, new research shows that Imprime PGG elicits cross talk that bridges innate and adaptive immunity that may result in coordinated immune response to cancer.

More information is available at www.biothera.com/pharma or follow us on Twitter.