BioCentury
ARTICLE | Clinical News

TRU-016: Phase II started

January 2, 2012 8:00 AM UTC

Emergent began the Phase II portion of an open-label, U.S. Phase Ib/II trial of IV TRU-016 given in 28-day cycles in patients who have failed up to 3 previous treatments. The Phase II portion will compare TRU-016 plus Treanda bendamustine vs. Treanda alone in about 100 patients. The start triggered a $6 million payment from Abbott under a 2009 deal to co-develop and commercialize the product. Emergent also said Abbott will terminate the deal, effective March 20. Abbott's decision is a result of a portfolio prioritization process, according to Emergent. TRU-016 has Orphan Drug designation from FDA for the indication.

Abbott gained rights to TRU-016 through its 2010 acquisition of Facet Biotech Corp., which received rights from Trubion Pharmaceuticals Inc. Emergent acquired Trubion in 2010 (see BioCentury, April 26, 2010 & Aug. 16, 2010). ...