BioCentury
ARTICLE | Clinical News

Agenus' HerpV meets in Phase II genital herpes trial

November 8, 2013 1:53 AM UTC

Agenus Inc. (NASDAQ:AGEN) said three injections of HerpV given two weeks apart met the primary endpoint in the Phase II C-400-02 trial to treat genital herpes caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection. HerpV reduced viral shedding at day 45 compared to the baseline swabbing period (p=0.015). There was no reduction in viral shedding at day 45 compared to the baseline swabbing period in patients who received placebo (p=0.96). The double-blind, U.S. trial enrolled 80 HSV-2-positive patients with a history of 1-9 herpes recurrences within the prior 12 months. Patients underwent a 45-day genital swabbing period before and after the vaccination period.

HerpV is a vaccine consisting of recombinant heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) complexed with 32 distinct 35-mer synthetic peptides from the HSV-2 proteome with Agenus' QS-21 Stimulon adjuvant. The company said it is waiting for final Phase II data before determining Phase III plans. Next half, Agenus expects immune response data from C-400-02 and post-booster viral shedding data from the majority of patients in the HerpV arm who received a booster injection six months after the first vaccination. ...