Studies demonstrate that investigational cancer vaccines show encouraging immune response rates

Results of two phase 1 studies demonstrate that the novel, investigational cancer vaccines MKC1106-MT and MKC1106-PP are well-tolerated and show encouraging immune response rates and objective tumor response in advanced melanoma, prostate cancer and other solid malignancies, setting the stage for phase 2 studies. The data are being presented at the International Society for Biological Therapy of Cancer 2009 Annual Meeting.

MKC1106-MT is an active immunotherapeutic product consisting of three components, a DNA plasmid and two synthetic peptides, each of which is administered separately by the unique route of intranodal injection and together are designed to target two tumor-specific antigens that are commonly expressed by melanoma tumor cells. MKC1106-PP is a similar agent that is designed to target two specific tumor antigens commonly expressed by various solid tumor cells.

“MKC1106-MT and MKC1106-PP met the primary end-points of both trials and, in addition, showed early evidence of clinical benefit, which marks an important step forward for MannKind’s oncology portfolio,” said Peter Richardson, MRCP, Corporate Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, MannKind Corporation. “These encouraging results set the stage to move into phase 2 trials with these innovative, targeted therapies, which represent the cornerstone of our cancer immunotherapy program.”