Phase 1b interim clinical trial results of IMO-2055, Tarceva and Avast combination announced

Sep 23 2009

Idera Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: IDRA) today presented interim data from a phase 1b, single arm clinical trial evaluating IMO-2055, an agonist of Toll-like Receptor (TLR) 9, in combination with Tarceva^® and Avastin^® in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The data were presented during the joint 15th Congress of the European CanCer Organisation (ECCO) and 34th Congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) in Berlin, Germany (Abstract number 9.148).

“Interim data in this trial show that the triple combination of IMO-2055, Tarceva, and Avastin has demonstrated some anti-tumor activity in NSCLC patients who had progressed during or after one or more prior therapy regimens. These data are encouraging in light of the recent results reported for the Tarceva-Avastin combination in a similar patient population,” said Dr. Alice Bexon, MBChB, Vice President of Clinical Development. “A dose level was selected for further study.”

The trial is designed to determine the tolerability and safety of IMO-2055 in combination with Tarceva and Avastin. Interim data presented at the meeting show:

• IMO-2055 was tolerated at dosages up to 0.48 mg/kg/week in combination with Tarceva plus Avastin
• The most common possibly-related adverse events were injection site reactions, fatigue and fever
• Six grade 3 adverse events were reported: injection site reactions (2), diarrhea (2), fatigue (1) and low potassium (1)
• 8 of 16 patients remained on treatment at least 18 weeks
• Of the 13 evaluable patients, 3 had a partial response and 8 experienced stable disease

Recruitment of additional patients is continuing at the anticipated recommended phase 2 dose level for IMO-2055 in this combination.

The presentation was made by David Smith, M.D., of US Oncology in Vancouver, WA.

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