Bristol-Myers Squibb and Exelixis reveal trial results

Bristol-Myers Squibb, working in cooperation with Exelixis, has announced the outcome of a study into XL184.

The treatment is being tested to treat patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) – the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer.

Overall, 46 patients in first or second relapse were enrolled and dosed with 175 mg of XL184 administered daily.

Of these candidates, 21 per cent attained a six-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate. The median duration of response was 5.9 months and the median PFS interval was 3.7 months.

Michael M Morrissey, president of research and development at Exelixis, commented: “This trial in its totality is providing important information that will enable future decision making with respect to designing and implementing trials of XL184 in this patient population.”

Another Bristol-Myers Squibb trial into the rheumatoid arthritis drug Orencia showed that weekly administration of a 125 mg subcutaneous dose of the treatment resulted in minimal, transient immunogenicity prior to month four after repeat dosing.