JX-594
Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. JX-594 is an oncolytic virus (also known as Pexa-Vec[1]) developed by Jennerex and partners: Transgene S.A.; Lee's Pharmaceutical Holdings Ltd.; and Green Cross Corp. Pexa-Vec is designed to target and destroy cancer cells.[2]
JX-594 is a vaccinia poxvirus engineered by addition of the GM-CSF gene and deletion of the thymidine kinase gene which limits viral replication to cells with high levels of thymidine kinase, typically seen in cancer cells with a mutated RAS or p53 gene.[3] The virus kills them by lysis and also expresses GM-CSF which may help initiate an anti-tumour immune response.[4][5] [6]
It has orphan drug designation from US FDA and EUMA for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).[1]
Clinical trials
A global Phase 3 trial (the PHOCUS trial) http://www.pexavectrials.com for patients with advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma will begin enrolling patients in late 2015. Two Phase I trials have reported results and a phase II trial for primary liver cancer, alone and in combination with sorafenib have been completed.[5]
JX-594[7] Phase I results in 23 patients had encouraging results in 6 of 8 high dosed patients.[8] A small (30 patient) phase II trial in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) showed an increased median overall survival of 13.8 months compared 6.7 months for a lower dose (p=0.029).[9]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Jennerex Granted FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Pexa-Vec in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
- ↑ Un virus contre le cancer 25 March 2012, Radio Canada (French)
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- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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- ↑ http://www.voanews.com/english/news/health/Cancer-Fighting-Engineered-Virus-Makes-Medical-History-128899673.html September 01, 2011 Voice of America
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
