Viralytics meets primary goal of melanoma trial

Viralytics (ASX:VLA) revealed it has already met is primary endpoint for the phase II trial of its Cavatak cancer-targeting virus in late-stage melanoma.

The company is still recruiting patients for its CALM trial but Cavatak has already achieved immune-related progression-free survival (iPRF) at six months in 10 of the first 30 evaluable patients.

iPRF includes patients that achieved a complete tumour response, partial tumour response - reduction of the total tumour burden by at least 30% - or stable disease.

The primary goal of the study was to have 10 of a total of 54 evaluable patients demonstrating iPRF.

“Achieving the primary endpoint of the CALM study before patient recruitment has been completed is very encouraging,” said the trial’s lead investigator, the Huntsman Cancer Institute’s Dr Robert Andtbacka.

The phase II single arm study is being conducted across 10 sites in the US. Currently, 44 patients are enrolled, with full enrolment expected by the end of the year. Other study endpoints include durable response rate, one year survival and overall survival.

Andtbacka presented more positive early data from the study in July at the 8th World Congress of Melanoma in Germany.

Viralytics is also evaluating Cavatak in other cancer indications including bladder cancer.

Viralytics (ASX:VLA) shares were trading 2.63% higher at $0.39 as of around 1.30 pm on Thursday.