Peregrine Pharmaceuticals achieved positive results from a Phase II trial evaluating bavituximab in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancer. In the trial, 74% (34 of 46) of patients achieved an objective tumor response by the end of the treatment period and 9% (4 of 46) achieved a clinical complete response. Median PFS was 6.9 months and median overall survival will be reported once the data matures. The data compared favorably to a separate study showing an objective response rate of 62% and median PFS of 4.8 months in a similar patient population receiving paclitaxel and carboplatin alone.

Bavituximab in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin is being evaluated in two Phase II trials, including front-line advanced breast cancer and front-line non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Bavituximab is a phosphatidylserine (PS)-targeting monoclonal antibody. PS-targeting antibodies target and bind to PS and block this immunosuppressive signal, enabling the immune system to recognize and fight the tumor.

"The data to date from our Phase II cancer trials using the combination of bavituximab with paclitaxel and carboplatin have been encouraging and we look forward to advancing this combination into future Phase II clinical trials," said Marvin R. Garovoy, M.D., head of clinical science of Peregrine. "To further the evaluation of this and other combinations with bavituximab for breast cancer, we are seeking investigators interested in our investigator-sponsored trials program, which is designed to support researchers who have an interest in exploring different therapeutic applications and indications."