Cancer, Cancer Treatment

Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has announced that updated preliminary data from the first stage of its Phase II trial evaluating bavituximab in combination with docetaxel showed that 10 of 14 (71%) evaluable breast cancer patients achieved an objective tumor response according to RECIST criteria.

The company also reported that patient screening has begun in the second stage of this trial, which will enroll 31 patients.

“Early data from the first stage of this bavituximab Phase II cancer study had already exceeded our expectations, so the positive updated results reported today are especially encouraging as we proceed with patient enrollment in the second stage of the trial,” said Steven W. King, president and CEO of Peregrine. “We look forward to reporting more results from this study and a second ongoing Phase II breast cancer trial as we continue to learn more about bavituximab’s potential in this important, hard-to-treat disease.”

Cell Genesys Inc. shares dropped sharply today as the South San Francisco company said it will cut more than 200 jobs, is exploring its sale or liquidation, and stopping the late-stage trial of its prostate cancer drug.

The company (NASDAQ: CEGE) also said it was terminating the employment of Chief Medical Officer Robert Dow.

Cell Genesys shares were down 45 cents — or 73 percent — to 17 cents per share in mid-day trading.

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Cell Genesys Inc. shares dropped sharply today as the South San Francisco company said it will cut more than 200 jobs, is exploring its sale or liquidation, and stopping the late-stage trial of its prostate cancer drug.

The company (NASDAQ: CEGE) also said it was terminating the employment of Chief Medical Officer Robert Dow.

Cell Genesys shares were down 45 cents — or 73 percent — to 17 cents per share in mid-day trading.

Read the rest of this entry »