Irinotecan: Phase II started

Merrimack and Baxalta began an open-label, international Phase II trial to compare Onivyde plus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin with or without oxaliplatin vs. Abraxane nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine in about 168 patients. The start of the trial triggered a $62.5 million milestone payment to Merrimack from Baxalta, which has exclusive rights from Merrimack to develop and commercialize Onivyde outside the U.S. and Taiwan. PharmaEngine has Taiwanese rights (see BioCentury, Sept. 29, 2014 & Nov. 10, 2014). ...