Icos discontinues Phase III of LeukArrest

ICOS said that results from an interim analysis of its Phase III trial of LeukArrest to treat ischemic stroke "failed to meet the company's predefined criteria of success." The study in more than 400 patients showed LeukArrest, a monoclonal antibody against adhesion molecules on white blood cells, had no clinical benefit.

Last year, ICOS suffered two Phase II setbacks of LeukArrest. In October, LeukArrest failed to meet its primary end point in multiple sclerosis. A month later, preliminary Phase II data failed to show significance in treating myocardial infarction. The only remaining indication with future development possibility is hemorrhagic shock, in which LeukArrest did not meet most end points in a 150-patient Phase II trial (see BioCentury, June 21 and Nov. 8, 1999). ...