Phase 2 study of bavituximab for lung cancer

Peregrine Pharmaceuticals announced preliminary results from its Phase 2 trial evaluating bavituximab in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).  Twenty one patients with NSCLC were initially enrolled in this multi-center, open-label study;  17 of which were deemed evaluable. In this initial cohort, 11 of the 17 evaluable patients achieved an objective tumor response after completing the maximum six treatment cycles.

The primary objective of the study is to assess the overall response rate. Secondary objectives of the study include time to tumor progression, duration of response, overall patient survival and safety parameters. The company reports that patient dosing is underway in the expansion stage of the trial, which will enroll an additional 28 patients.

Bavituximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the cellular membrane component phosphatidylserine (PS).  PS is exposed on the outside of the cells that line the blood vessels of tumors, creating a specific target for anti-cancer treatments. By binding to PS, bavituximab is believed to help mobilize the body’s immune system to destroy the tumor and the tumor blood vessels.

For more information call (714) 508-6000 or visit www.peregrineinc.com.