SillaJen initiates Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial of pexastimogene devacirepvec

Clinical-stage, biotherapeutics company focused on the development of oncolytic immunotherapy products for cancer, SillaJen declared the commencement of Phase 1/2 clinical trial of pexastimogene devacirepvec (Pexa-Vec) in combination with checkpoint inhibitor therapy for the treatment of Metastatic Colon Cancer. Dr. Greten will recruit and treat patients at the NCI on the jointly developed protocol, and NCI will handle the operational aspects of this trial. SillaJen will supply pexastimogene devacirepvec (Pexa-Vec) for the clinical trial, while tremelimumab and durvalumab will be provided by a third party to NCI under a separate CRADA.

The aim of the trial will be to test if the combination of oncolytic virus and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy can activate the immune system to fight cancer and overcome self-tolerance to colon cancer. Further, in depth assessment of tumor biopsies, and other collected patient samples, will be conducted to assess the immune modulating potential of pexastimogene devacirepvec given concurrently with checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Eun Sang Moon, chief executive officer of SillaJen said “We are pleased to be working with Dr. Greten at the NCI. He is a leading researcher in the area of cancer immunotherapy.  Obviously, we hope this collaboration can improve the treatment options for patients with incurable colon cancer.”

James Burke, M.D., chief medical officer at SillaJen stated “We are excited that this clinical trial has started.  Cancer immunotherapy is significantly impacting multiple cancer types, and we hope this trial will provide further understanding about how our immunotherapy might help patients with CRC, particularly given the limited treatment options available to this patient population.”

Image Source: SillaJen