Clinical Phase I Trial of Cancer-Killing Virus G207 for the Treatment of Malignant Glioma Started
MediGene AG announced the initiation of a clinical phase I trial of the drug candidate G207 for the treatment of malignant glioma at the University of Alabama, Birmingham (UAB). This is a research collaboration between UAB and MediGene substantially supported by a SPORE grant (Specialized Program of Research Excellence) awarded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The commercialization rights will remain with MediGene. G207 is a herpes simplex virus, genetically modified for the specific destruction of tumor cells without harming healthy tissue. The first patient has already been enrolled into the trial.
The trial will evaluate safety, tolerability and efficacy trends of G207 as well as potential synergies with radiation therapy. It is planned to enroll approximately 20 patients over the next 24 months. The study's principal investigator, James M. Markert, M.D., explains: "Previous clinical studies have shown that single doses of G207 administered intra-cerebrally are well tolerated and suggest that G207 may induce tumor regression. In addition, pre-clinical studies indicate synergism between G207 and radiation therapy."
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