Viralytics presents more strong Cavatak trial data

Viralytics (ASX:VLA) has released more promising interim results from its ongoing phase II trial of anticancer candidate Cavatak in late-stage melanoma.

Data from the CALM trial were presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Conference in Chicago on Tuesday by the trial’s lead investigator, Dr Robert Andtbacka of the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

The results show that 19 of 51 evaluable patients have demonstrated immune-related progression free survival (iPRFS) at six months after the first Cavatak dose.

This has already exceeded the primary endpoint of the trial, which was to have at least 10 patients reporting an iPRFS at six months. This endpoint was achieved in September.

The trial so far has a preliminary overall response rate - defined as either a partial or complete response - of 26%.

In addition, Cavatak has demonstrated anticancer activity in both injected and non-injected tumours, and there have been no serious or grade 3 or 4 adverse events related to the treatment in 57 patients involved in the study.

“Results to date in the CALM trial have been extremely encouraging with ongoing impressive activity in both injected and non-injected metastatic cancer lesions,” Andtbacka commented. “It is also notable that multiple doses of Cavatak have been well tolerated by patients.”

Andtbacka also presented results from a preclinical study assessing using Cavatak in conjunction with a new class of cancer immunotherapy, anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies (mAb).

The study generated evidence suggesting enhanced anticancer activity using a combination of the two rather than with either treatment alone.

“Taken together with the clinical results seen in the CALM study, there is now a strong rationale for a clinical trial co-administering Cavatak and an anti-PD-1 antibody. As a clinician, I would be keen to assess this combination as we try to find better ways to treat patients with metastatic melanoma,” he said.

Viralytics (ASX:VLA) shares were trading 5.36% higher at $0.295 as of around 1.30 pm on Thursday.