ThromboGenics and co-development partner BioInvent International report that their partner Roche has dosed the first patient in a phase Ib/II study with the novel antibody anti-cancer agent TB-403 (RG7334). The trial is for patients with glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and aggressive type of primary brain tumor in humans.

    The multi-center, phase Ib/II trial will examine the safety and clinical effect of TB-403 in combination with Avastin (bevacizumab) in patients with recurrent glioblastoma. Secondary objectives include safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of the combination. The trial will also include an evaluation of candidate biomarkers. The study will recruit approximately 100 patients.

    Svein Mathisen, CEO of BioInvent added, "We are very pleased that Roche has decided to take TB-403 to the next stage of its development. We believe that TB-403 could make a major contribution to the armamentarium used to treat cancer. In glioblastoma, the medical need is significant and it is our hope that this unique product candidate could improve the prospects for this patient group whose current treatment options are very limited."