Genzyme Corporation (GENZ) recently reported positive results from a randomized phase III study that was conducted with Campath (alemtuzumab) in combination with Fludara (fludarabine phosphate) in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients.  The company reported that patients treated with Campath and Fludara (FluCAM) experienced a significant improvement in progression free survival (PFS), compared to patients receiving only Fludara. The study was designed to detect at least a 50% overall improvement in PFS in the FluCAM arm compared to the Fludara arm.  Although the company did not disclose full results, Genzyme announced that the trial’s independent data safety monitoring board, in a pre-planned interim analysis, determined that the study achieved its primary endpoint and recommended early closure of the trial.  We look forward to detailed results from the study in December at the American Society of Hematology. Impressive PFS results could help the combination ...

Viral Genetics, Inc., a company that develops drug compounds to treat cancer, Lyme Disease, and HIV, has received a patent for cancer treatment therapies. This patent protects cancer drugs that have used mice as clinical research subjects. Issued on March 31, 2009, the U.S. Patent Number is: 7,510,710.

M. Karen Newell, PhD., tenured professor at the University of Colorado, stated, “This patent represents the first method for treating drug resistant cancer using metabolic disruption, an approach targeting the distinct cancer-specific metabolic activities that can distinguish cancer cells in general, and many drug resistant cancer types, in specific, from normal cells in normal tissues.”

She continued, “We are very excited that the Patent Office has recognized the significance of work we first pioneered over eight years ago. The scientific community is now coming to accept the approach, metabolic disruption, as an extremely promising method for helping cancer patients.”

The new drug

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