Strong early results from Viralytics melanoma trial

A principal investigator of Viralytics’ (ASX:VLA) phase II trial of its Cavatak oncolytic virus in late-stage melanoma has revealed some promising early results for the trial. Cavatak is an unmodified naturally occurring coxsackievirus (type A21), which binds to the ICAM-1 receptor overexpressed in a variety of cancer types.

In a presentation at the HemOnc Today Melanoma and Subcutaneous Malignancies meeting on Friday, University of Utah assistant professor Dr Robert Andtbacka detailed his ongoing experience with the CALM (CAvatak in Late-stage Melanoma) clinical trial.

Dr Andtbacka revealed that of the 10 patients enrolled in the study at the Huntsman Cancer Institute site, five have demonstrated objective tumour responses. Three have met the primary endpoint of immune-related progression-free survival at six-month assessment and two have progressed to an extension study where they will receive additional doses.

“These early results with Cavatak are encouraging,” Dr Andtbacka said. “We look forward to enrolling further patients and continuing the study to its conclusion.”

Viralytics last week revealed that it has now recruited 25 of the roughly 63 patients it plans to involve in the trial. The company commenced patient treatment under the trial in January 2012.

Viralytics is currently also conducting research evaluating the use of Cavatak to treat bladder cancer.

Viralytics shares were trading 3.08% lower at $0.315 as of around 2 pm on Monday