Vascular Genetics Phase I/II data

St. Elizabeth's Medical Center researchers presented data from a 30-patient study of VEGF-2 gene therapy to treat stable and refractory exertional angina. The compound was developed by Vascular Genetics, a joint venture between Human Genome Sciences (HGSI), St. Elizabeth's and Cato Holding ( Research Triangle Park, N.C.). The primary end points of the study were changes in angina class and exercise tolerance at 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, 70 percent of patients had reductions of at least two angina classes, and the compound gave a significant increase in exercise tolerance. Also, significant decreases were seen in nitroglycerin use and frequency of angina episodes. No serious adverse events were thought to be associated with treatment, however, one patient died of cardiac arrest one day after receiving treatment. Data were presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting in Anaheim. ...