Australian biotech company Noxopharm (ASX:NOX) reports its lead oncology drug candidate Veyonda has passed a safety milestone from an ongoing IONIC Investigator-initiated pilot Phase 1 trial.
It is reported the IONIC Safety Steering Committee has reviewed the safety data from all evaluable patients taking part in the trial and has concluded that a 1200mg dose of Veyonda is safe and well tolerated, allowing for enrolment to continue with the next patient cohort.
This next patient cohort is expected to be treated with an increased Veyonda dose of 1800mg.
The IONIC trial is seeking to increase activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors for cancer patients through the combination of Veyonda and Bristol Myers Squibb’s Opdivo (nivolumab).
The trial is being led by principal investigator Professor Paul de Souz, who has research agreements with BMS and Noxopharm to conduct the trial, administering both Veyonda and Opdivo to an ultimate target of about 30 patients.
“This trial is exciting as it is our first investigation into the combination of Veyonda with an immuno-oncology drug”
Addressing the IONIC trial, Noxopharm Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Gisela Mautner said: “We’re pleased that the enrolment of this trial has accelerated and a Veyonda dose of 1200mg is safe and well tolerated in combination with Opdivo.
This trial is exciting as it is our first investigation into the combination of Veyonda with an immuno-oncology drug. Immuno-oncology is a relatively new but growing cancer therapy market, and patients who are resistant to these drugs are generally left with very few treatment options. Our overarching goal is to improve this situation.”
Noxopharm is an innovative Australian biotech company discovering and developing novel treatments for cancer and inflammation. The companys currently has 3 active drug development programs: its lead clinical-stage drug candidate Veyonda, plus 2 innovative technology platforms, Chroma (oncology) and Sofra (inflammation and autoimmunity), which provide the basis for active development of a growing pipeline of new proprietary drugs.
There are currently 6 active sites in the Sydney area and regional New South Wales (NSW), with 11 patients now enrolled and others in screening.
