Good and Bad Trial Results

As we have seen, there are several stages in the development of a new therapeutic approach. Sometimes the so-called trials are successful and we move on to the next phase, sometimes they fail and the approach is abandoned.

In the last few days it seems that the Phase II trial of the Medicenna MDNA55 company for the treatment of rGBM (recurrent GlioBlastoma Multiforme) has been successful, which means that it will pass in Phase III. In this case the candidate, MDNA55, who simultaneously attacks the interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R), which is over-expressed by cancer cells, and the tumor-supporting micro environment (TME) that hides the tumor from the immune system, appears to have a positive effect on the clinical survival data of patients undergoing this treatment.

At the same time, 2 Phase III Trials failed, therefore very close to the launch on the treatment market, by the pharmaceutical companies Tocagen and Bristol-Myers.

According to Tocagen, their candidate products, Toca 511 and Toca FC, showed no significant superiority compared to the standard treatment that evaluated therapy for patients with high grade recurrent Glioma (RHGG – Recurrent High Grade Glioma).

Similarly, Bristol-Meyers has also stated that its Opdivo product used in conjunction with traditional treatment has not shown clear superiority by preventing the tumor from spreading compared to traditional treatment alone.

product used in conjunction with traditional treatment has not shown clear superiority by preventing the tumor from spreading compared to traditional treatment alone.

In short, it goes on with some steps forward and some backwards but in the end we will manage to defeat the glioblastoma multiforme. You can be sure!