PI-88 misses in interim analysis for hepatitis virus-related HCC
Progen Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (ASX:PGL; Pink:PGLA) said partner Medigen Biotechnology Corp. (GreTai:3176) reported interim data showing adjuvant treatment with subcutaneous PI-88 given after surgical resection missed the primary endpoint of improving disease-free survival vs. placebo in the Asian Phase III PATRON trial to treat hepatitis virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). An independent committee performed the interim analysis after the first 131 events, defined as tumor recurrence or death. Medigen is continuing the trial, with final data expected next year.
Under a 2010 deal, Medigen has exclusive, worldwide rights to develop and commercialize PI-88 in cancer indications from Progen. PI-88 is a sulfated mannopentaose phosphate anti-angiogenic agent that inhibits VEGF, FGF and heparanase activity. ...