Therion Biologics and Aventis Pasteur expand cancer vaccine alliance

Moving colorectal cancer products forward

Building on what has thus far been a successful co-development effort for therapeutic cancer vaccines, Therion Biologics Corp. (Cambridge, MA) and Aventis Pasteur Ltd. (Toronto) will expand the length and scope of their existing therapeutic cancer vaccine agreement. The new deal includes the study of additional tumor-associated antigens for use in pox virus-based vaccines for melanoma, colorectal, and lung cancers.

These products, which Therion has licensed to Aventis Pasteur, have already shown stimulation of natural tumor-killing immune response in early clinical trials. The collaboration's lead vaccine product, ALVAC-CEA/B7.1, treats colorectal cancer. Based on promising initial clinical results, Aventis Pasteur plans to conduct a pivotal large-scale trial of this product with standard chemotherapy. The partners expect ALVAC-CEA/B7.1 to enter Phase III trials in the next two years.

"Based on early immunologic and clinical results indicating disease stabilization in metastatic patients treated with ALVAC-CEA/B7.1, we believe that this and similar immunotherapeutic products will provide an important weapon in the fight against many cancers," said Pierre Meulien, senior vice president of research and development at Aventis Pasteur. "Aventis Pasteur is committed to advancing the clinical development of this cancer vaccine. By broadening our successful collaboration with Therion, we enhance our licensing opportunities with what we believe is already one of the strongest approaches in cancer therapy today."

For more information, contact Dennis L. Panicali, president and CEO of Therion Biologics, at 617-876-7779, or contact Nancy Simpson of Aventis Pasteur at 416-667-2955.

Edited by Angelo DePalma
Managing Editor, Drug Discovery Online and Pharmaceutical Online
Email: adepalma@vertical.net