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LONDON - Avacta Therapeutics (AIM: AVCT), a developer of peptide drug conjugates for cancer treatment, has reported encouraging results from the Phase 1a dose escalation trial of its lead drug candidate AVA6000, and has begun enrollment for the Phase 1b expansion cohorts. The early data suggests that AVA6000, a modified form of the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, has shown promising efficacy and safety in patients with salivary gland cancers.
The trial observed favorable safety profiles in comparison to traditional doxorubicin treatments, notably with no severe cardiac toxicity events, which are typically associated with the conventional drug. In the dose-escalation phase of the study, 11 patients with salivary gland cancers received doses of 250 mg/m2 or higher. Results included one confirmed partial response, four minor responses, and only one case of disease progression, equating to a disease control rate of 91%. The median progression-free survival (PFS) has not yet been reached, with five patients still undergoing treatment and nine patients without disease progression.
These outcomes are particularly significant given that the median PFS for conventional therapies in similar settings is approximately 3.5 months. Avacta anticipates that PFS will be the primary endpoint in the registration trial for AVA6000.
The Phase 1b expansion cohorts are now underway, targeting salivary gland cancer, triple negative breast cancer, and high-grade soft tissue sarcoma. Each cohort aims to enroll 20-30 patients with specific criteria based on the type and stage of their cancer, as well as prior lines of therapy received.
Avacta plans to provide a further update on the Phase 1a trial in the second quarter of 2025, with full data, including a comprehensive assessment of cardiac safety, expected to be presented in the second half of the year. This information will be used to design the registration study for AVA6000.
Dr. Alan Ho from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and member of Avacta’s Scientific Advisory Board expressed enthusiasm for advancing AVA6000’s development, citing the substantial unmet need in treating salivary gland cancers. Christina Coughlin, CEO of Avacta Therapeutics, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the preliminary efficacy data and the potential market size for AVA6000 given its promising performance compared to conventional doxorubicin.
This article is based on a press release statement from Avacta Therapeutics.
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