VEGF-2: Phase I/II

Researchers reported on a Phase I/II dose escalation study of VEGF-2 gene therapy in 30 patients with stable and refractory exertional angina who were not candidates for revascularization procedures. A total of 70 percent of patients had reductions of at least two angina classes after 12 weeks, and the compound gave a significant increase in exercise tolerance (p<0.001). Significant decreases were seen in nitroglycerin use and frequency of angina episodes (both p<0.001). Patients received 200 µg-2 mg of a naked DNA plasmid encoding VEGF-2 via direct injection into the myocardium. No serious adverse events were thought to be associated with treatment, however, one patient died of cardiac arrest one day after receiving treatment. Data were presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting in Anaheim. ...