Patrys multiple myeloma trial progresses

Patrys (ASX:PAB) has secured the all-clear to move on to a higher-dose stage of its German phase I/IIa trial of PAT-SM6 in multiple myeloma.

The company has commenced recruitment for a second patient group, after the independent board monitoring the trial signed off on the safety data from the initial three patients.

The first three patients each received four doses of PAT-SM6, Patrys' lead antibody, at a dose level of 0.3mg/kg. No significant adverse events were reported.

For the second group of three patients, the four doses will be escalated to 1mg/kg.

The trial design of Patrys' open-label dose escalation study calls for enrolment of an initial 12 patients across four dosing groups. Patients will have failed all currently marketed treatments for multiple myeloma and have a very poor prognosis.

Subjects demonstrating a partial response to Patrys' antibody treatment will be offered an additional cycle of two doses.

The primary objective is gauging safety and tolerability, but a secondary objective is to measure the treatment's efficacy.

Patrys secured the required approvals for the PAT-SM6 trial in September, and in November was granted permission to add an Australian site. Dosing for the initial three patients was completed in early December.

PAT-SM6 is a natural human antibody with potential anti-cancer properties. The treatment has shown particular promise in multiple myeloma, and in melanoma, which is the target of separate trials.

Patrys (ASX:PAB) shares were trading unchanged at $0.035 as of around 2:30pm on Monday.