Mologen’s experimental drug is found to be effective against colorectal cancer

MOLOGEN AG, a Berlin-based biotechnology company, has reported that an experimental drug, MGN1703, is found to be helpful in the phase-2 study in reducing the spread of colorectal cancer as compared to placebo.

[hana-code-insert name=’StumbleUpon’ /][hana-code-insert name=’Reddit’ /]The company has reported that MGN1703 along with the first line therapy has doubled the survival time of the patients without worsening of the condition of the patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), if compared to the placebo. This drug is a DNA-based immunomodulator and stimulates the immune system to resist against the cancer cells as well as tumor-associated antigens released by the cells.

Dr. Matthias Schroff, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer of MOLOGEN AG explains, “This is a special day for our research team and the entire company. These excellent results have even surpassed our own expectations. Due to the high reliability of the data, especially regarding the placebo-controlled study design, the results go way beyond a proof-of-concept, as normally demonstrated in a phase 2 study. They confirm the enormous potential of immunotherapeutic concepts for the treatment of cancer.

Our special thanks go to the patients and everyone who contributed to these studies.”

Minor to moderate side effects of the drug, such as minor episodes of fever, reddening of the injection site and fatigue, has been reported

The company has planned to ask the U.S. officials (FDA) and European Union (EMA) for the steps involved in the approval of the drug. The company is hopeful that the licensing deal will be achieved within a year.