Viralytics hits recruitment target for cancer trial

Viralytics (ASX:VLA) has reached its enrolment target for a phase II trial of its Cavatak oncolytic virus in patients with late-stage melanoma.

Investigators have dosed the 54th patient in the CALM trial, which is being conducted across 11 US cancer clinics.

Viralytics CEO Dr Malcolm McColl said reaching the recruitment target was a key milestone on the path to commercialising Cavatak.

“The rapid enrolment in 2013 reflects excellent support from oncologists at our high calibre trial sites across the US and points to the need for better therapies to treat late-stage melanoma,” he said.

The CALM trial met its primary goal - achieving immune-related, progression-free survival (iPRF) at six months in 10 patients - in September last year. At the time, the trial had just 30 evaluable patients.

Viralytics said the latest interim results show an overall irPFS rate of 35% at 6 months - 14 of 40 evaluable patients - and a one-year survival rate of 60% based on the first 20 patients.

The six-month irPFS is consistent with preliminary data from the trial presented at the 8th World Congress of Melanoma last year.

Viralytics (ASX:VLA) shares were trading 11.48% higher at $0.34 as of around 2.30 pm on Wednesday.