Industry supports international melanoma research

Provectus Pharmaceuticals and the Australia and New Zealand Melanoma Trials Group (ANZMTG) have joined forces to advance cutting edge melanoma research at the University of Sydney.

In a new sponsorship deal announced today, US based biotechnology company Provectus Pharmaceuticals Inc has provided funding for a research Fellowship at the ANZMTG to support essential personnel infrastructure in both Australia and New Zealand.

"The Provectus Fellowship is a unique and innovative partnership between industry and the ANZMTG, which will further the research efforts of many melanoma investigators," said Rachael Morton, Executive Officer of the ANZMTG.

The sponsorship of a new Research Fellow will enable the ANZMTG to engage a senior biostatistician who will design and analyze clinical trials for new treatments in melanoma and provides a model for future partnerships in this area.

"Provectus was attracted to Australia by its world-leading experts, facilities and history of success testing innovative therapies for melanoma. We are proud to be an active member of this vital research community and our support of the ANZMTG through this fellowship," said Craig Dees, CEO of Provectus.

Provectus has been conducting clinical testing of its lead oncology agent PV-10 in Australia since August 2005. The global lead investigator for the Company's current phase 2 study is Professor John F Thompson, chair of the ANZMTG and Executive Director of the Sydney Melanoma Unit.

The ANZMTG plans to commence a multi-centre trial of whole brain radiotherapy in melanoma in the next couple of months.