IMO-2055: Development discontinued
Idera said Merck will not conduct further development of IMO-2055 to treat cancer after an increased incidence of neutropenia and electrolyte imbalances were reported in a Phase Ib trial of the compound in combination with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Erbitux cetuximab as first-line treatment of SCCHN. According to Idera, neutropenia and electrolyte imbalances are a known side effect of cisplatin-based treatment regimens. However, Merck plans to complete an ongoing Phase II trial of Erbitux with or without IMO-2055 as second-line treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic SCCHN. Idera said it will determine next steps for the IMO-2055 program after reporting final data from the Phase II trial, which are expected in mid-2012, and after conducting a final analysis of a completed Phase Ib trial of IMO-2055 plus Erbitux and FOLFIRI chemotherapy to treat metastatic colorectal cancer. No safety concerns have been observed in the Phase II trial to date. A Phase Ib trial of IMO-2055 in combination with Tarceva erlotinib and Avastin bevacizumab in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has also been completed with no safety concerns reported. Merck will continue to evaluate undisclosed preclinical follow-on TLR9 agonists under the partners' 2007 deal in which Idera granted Merck exclusive, worldwide rights to Idera's TLR9 agonists, including IMO-2055, to treat cancer (see BioCentury, Dec. 24, 2007). ...