Transgene brings IV oncolytic virus into the clinic for GI tumors

Transgene S.A. (Euronext:TNG) started a European Phase I/II trial to evaluate its IV-administered oncolytic virus TG6002 in combination with oral 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy prodrug in patients with gastrointestinal tumors. TG6002's viral vector expresses the Saccharomyces cerevisiae FCY1-FUR1 fusion gene (Saccharomyces cerevisiae FCU1), which enables tumor cells to convert 5-FC into the active cytotoxic form 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

The open-label, single-arm trial will enroll up to 59 patients with advanced gastrointestinal tumors who have failed or are intolerant to standard therapies. The Phase II portion will also enroll patients with colon cancer and liver metastases...