Prima BioMed Ltd announced safety, pharmacokinetics and immuno-monitoring data from the first cohort of patients in a phase IIb chemo-immunotherapy study AIPAC (Active Immunotherapy PAClitaxel) on its most advanced pipeline candidate IMP321 (based on the LAG-3 immune control mechanism).

The multi-national, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on IMP321 in combination with Celgene Corp.’s Abraxane (paclitaxel) is currently ongoing for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Initial data demonstrated that 6 mg doses of IMP321 in combination with Abraxane was found to be safe and well tolerated with no drug-related serious adverse events. Moreover, data showed activation of blood monocytes/ dendritic cells and CD8 T cells.

Prima plans to start enrolling more patients in the second cohort, which will evaluate a 30 mg dose of IMP321. The company intends to present and compare data from both cohorts in the fourth quarter of 2016, following which it will enroll about 196 patients in the randomization phase with the recommended phase IIb dose.  

IMP321 is also in a phase I combination therapy study (TACTI-mel) for the treatment of metastatic melanoma.

The company noted that many large pharmaceutical partners are developing LAG-3 products including antibodies for immune response modulation in autoimmunity and cancer.

Prima is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock. A couple of better-ranked stocks in the health care sector include ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ANIP Quick QuoteANIP - Free Report) and Retrophin, Inc. – both sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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