Merrimack Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company discovering, developing, and preparing to commercialize innovative drugs paired with companion diagnostics for the treatment of cancer. The company currently has six targeted therapeutic oncology candidates in clinical development.
The company announced today that the last patient has been enrolled in the second cohort of a randomized, three-cohort Phase II clinical trial of its MM-121 drug candidate in combination with erlotinib for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer patients. MM-121 has been developed together with Sanofi since 2009 and is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets ErbB3, a cell surface receptor implicated in tumor growth and survival.
This particular cohort – Group A – focuses on 133 patients with EGFR wild-type tumors and is part of the overall Phase II that focuses on three separate population of patients. This cohort was designed to see if MM-121 in combination with erlotinib is more effective than treatment with erlotinib alone. The patients in this group have the EGFR wild-type tumors with recurring or progressive disease following at least one chemotherapy-containing regimen and have not received prior EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Results from this group are expected to be reported in the second half of 2013.
The second cohort – Group B – includes patients whose tumors contain an EGFR mutation and have not received prior EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. Enrollment for Group B is ongoing. The third cohort – Group C – includes patients that were previously treated with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor and progressed on that therapy. Results for this group were reported in April 2013.
For additional information about Merrimack Pharmaceuticals and its oncology drug candidates, including MM-121, please visit www.merrimackpharma.com
About MissionIR
MissionIR is committed to connecting the investment community with companies that have great potential and a strong dedication to building shareholder value. We know our reputation is based on the integrity of our clients and go to great lengths to ensure the companies represented adhere to sound business practices.
Sign up for “The Mission Report” at www.MissionIR.com
Please see disclaimer on the MissionIR website http://www.missionir.com/disclaimer.html
