Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN 1-Overweight, Sector 2-Neutral)
* REGN reported positive phase II data for its VEGF TRAP,
aflibercept, in patients with platinum resistant ovarian cancer as well
as Tarceva resistant non small cell lung adenocarcinoma (NSCLA) at this
weekend's American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting.
With responses rates in the range of that with Avastin, VEGF TRAP
remains a legitimate competitor with timelines on track for 2008 BLA
submission.
* REGN's VEGF TRAP had interim data reported this weekend from
a randomized phase II study comparing low and high dose VEGF TRAP in 162
patients with platinum resistant ovarian cancer. Blinded results
combining both doses yielded a 10% response rate in the 1st stage of the
study with 8% RR after randomization of 162 patients. Of note, in 23
patients with malignant ascites, 7 patients (29%) experienced complete
resolution.
* While there has been some suggestion that these results fall
below the 16% response rate reported for Avastin at last year's ASCO we
would highlight a response rate range of 3-18% for Avastin and note
fewer patients with resistant disease. VEGF TRAP results may be diluted
by early assessment and low dose inclusion but overall are promising.
Please see the attached report for further detail and full disclosures.
<<REGNASCOWeekend.pdf>>
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