Merrimack Pharmaceuticals Initiates Cross-Tumor Study to Investigate Potential Predictive Response Markers for a Developmental Nanotherapeutic Chemotherapy
A stable, nanotherapeutic encapsulation of the chemotherapy irinotecan, MM-398 is designed to optimize the delivery of irinotecan by increasing levels of the drug deposited in the tumor, extending circulation and thereby enabling preferential activation of the therapy within the tumor. Preclinical research has shown that the length of time MM-398, specifically the active component, SN38, remains within tumors directly correlates with tumor response. Another key to MM-398's activity may be the number of macrophages within a tumor, which have been shown to preferentially internalize liposomes and release their contents.
"Our research indicates tumor micro-environments across these clinical indications allow for the deposition of large particles, such as nanotherapeutics. They also have high levels of tumor-associated macrophages, which means MM-398 can be broken down and release increased levels of chemotherapy to the adjacent cancer cells," said
The cross indication translational study will focus on patients that have progressed following standard of care therapy for colorectal, lung and triple-negative breast cancers. The study is taking place at
About MM-398
Merrimack initiated a pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of MM-398 for the treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who have previously failed treatment with gemcitabine. The trial, called
In
About
Forward-Looking Statement
To the extent that statements contained in this press release are not descriptions of historical facts, they are forward-looking statements reflecting the current beliefs and expectations of management made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements include any statements about Merrimack's strategy, future operations, future financial position and future expectations and plans and prospects for Merrimack, and any other statements containing the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "target," "potential," "will," "would," "could," "should," "continue," and similar expressions. In this press release, Merrimack's forward-looking statements include statements about the potential effectiveness of its drug candidates in new indications, the
safety and tolerability of its drug candidates and its ability to translate clinical and pre-clinical data into future clinical success. Such forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause Merrimack's clinical development programs, future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the uncertainties inherent in the initiation of future clinical trials, availability of data from ongoing clinical trials, expectations for regulatory approvals, development progress of Merrimack's companion diagnostics and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of Merrimack's drug candidates or companion diagnostics. Merrimack undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Merrimack's views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to Merrimack's business in general, see the "Risk Factors" section of Merrimack's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the
CONTACT:Source:Kathleen Petrozzelli Gallagher , Merrimack, 617-441-1043, kgallagher@merrimackpharma.comLiz Bryan , Spectrum, 202-955-6222, lbryan@spectrumscience.com
News Provided by Acquire Media