Patrys's SM6 bound for new myeloma trial

Patrys (ASX:PAB) has announced that its anticancer antibody PAT-SM6 will be trialled in combination with Onyx Pharmaceuticals’ carfilzomib for multiple myeloma patients.

The investigator-sponsored trial will be led by Dr Hermann Einsele, director of the Department of Medicine II at the University of Würzburg in Germany. It is being funded by Onyx, an Amgen‎ subsidiary.

The study will evaluate the combination use of PAT-SM6 and proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib (marketed by Onyx as Kyprolis) in patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.

According to Patrys, the fact that PAT-SM6 has so far demonstrated a lack of serious side-effects in treated patients during the ongoing Phase I/IIa trial suggests it can be administered safely with carfilzomib, and the combination may improve on current multiple myeloma treatments.

The company separately announced it has been granted a second US patent for PAT-LM1, another anticancer antibody in preclinical development.

This new patent covers “neoplasm-specific antibodies and uses thereof”. It is the second US patent covering the antibody - the first was granted in mid-2010. Patrys also has a New Zealand patent covering the potential use of the antibody for the treatment or prevention of metastasis.

Patrys (ASX:PAB) shares were trading 66% higher at $0.088 as of around 1 pm on Monday.