More on the colorectal front

OTTAWA, Ontario—Orion Biotechnology Canada Ltd. recently announced new preclinical data evaluating the efficacy of OB-002 (5P12-RANTES) in colorectal cancer. BALB/c mice were inoculated subcutaneously with the CT-26 colorectal cancer cell line. Seven days after inoculation, the mice were randomized to receive intraperitoneal treatment with OB-002; a murine anti-PD-1 antibody; an anti-CTLA-4 antibody; OB-002 plus an anti-PD-1; OB-002 plus an anti-CTLA-4; OB-002, an anti-PD-1 and an anti-CTLA-4; or a saline placebo.

The OB-002 and the saline placebo were administered five times per week, and the anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies were given every third day. Treatment with OB-0020 or the anti-PD-1 antibody alone led to equivalent delayed tumor growth at multiple time-points. An even more profound effect on the decrease in mean tumor volume was observed when animals received combinations of OB-0020 and the anti-PD-1 or anti-CTLA-4 antibodies.

“These data confirm and build upon previous experiments conducted in the CT-26 model. This is impressive, as treatment was only started seven days after implantation of the tumor cells. This new study clearly demonstrates that OB-002 has activity alone, or in combination with other immunotherapy agents, in the treatment of colorectal cancer and provides guidance as to how future clinical trials should be designed,” said Dr. Ian McGowan, chief medical officer for Orion Biotechnology.

Added Mark Groper, president and CEO of Orion Biotechnology: “We are delighted by these new data that confirm and extend our initial observations on the activity of OB-002 in colorectal cancer and provide a compelling rationale for moving this unique product into clinical trials as quickly as possible.”