OXiGENE Reports Positive Results From Phase II Study Of Zybrestat

Clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, OXiGENE Inc., reported positive topline results from a randomized Phase II clinical trial of Avastin (bevacizumab) with or without Zybrestat (fosbretabulin) in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.

The study entitled Gynecologic Oncology Group protocol 186I met its primary endpoint of statistically significant increase in progression-free survival for the combination treatment compared to use of Avastin alone. The trial involved 107 patients with platinum-sensitive and –resistant recurrent ovarian cancer at 67 clinical sites in the U.S.

“These findings validate both the novel approach and the complementary mechanisms of combining the vascular disrupting agent fosbretabulin and an antiangiogenic agent like bevacizumab in patients with ovarian cancer. This promising combination warrants further evaluation particularly given the significant need for new treatment options in relapsed ovarian cancer,” said Bradley J. Monk, principal investigator for the trial, and professor and director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Arizona Cancer Center.

Zybrestat (fosbretabulin tromethamine/combretastatin-A4 phosphate / CA4P) is the company’s lead vascular disrupting agent product candidate currently ongoing evaluation as treatment for solid tumors. The drug works by selectively affecting and disabling tumor blood supply to impede tumor growth and survival. Resulting oxygen starvation and build-up of tumor metabolic by-products leads to the death of the cancer cells in the tumor central core.

Peter Langecker, M.D., Ph.D., OXiGENE CEO, said “We are very excited about these positive results and greatly appreciate all the patients who enrolled in this study and the support, resources and commitment of GOG and CTEP to conduct this important program. ZYBRESTAT is the first vascular disrupting agent to show a statistically significant progression-free survival benefit, and we are evaluating next steps to advance this combination to patients in need."

Full study results of the GOG protocol 1861 will be presented at a future scientific meeting. If approved, Zybrestat will be the company’s first product approval.