Slightly more than one out of every four patients taking an experimental blood cancer drug--pralatrexate--developed by Allos Therapeutics experienced a complete or partial response in a pivotal Phase II clinical trial. But that wasn't enough to satisfy investors. Allos shares plunged 21 percent after the data was released yesterday.
Researchers say that 11 patients had a complete response and 18 experienced a partial response to the drug, which is aimed at peripheral T-cell lymphoma, a condition diagnosed in about 5,000 U.S. patients each year. Of those who did respond, the response lasted more than three months for 6 out of 10 patients.
Allos says it is on track to file an NDA in the first half of 2009. The company is trying to develop the first such drug of its kind, and analysts suggest that despite investors' skepticism, the FDA may be persuaded that the potential benefit outweighs any risk associated with the therapy.
"Pralatrexate has the potential to play a clinically meaningful role in the treatment of these patients," said Owen O'Connor, who ran the study.
- read the report from Forbes
- read the story from TheStreet