Merrimack Reports Encouraging Data From Expanded Phase 1 Study Of MM-302

(RTTNews) - Merrimack Pharmaceuticals Inc. (MACK), Friday reported Phase 1 clinical trial results for MM-302, a HER2-targeted liposomal doxorubicin for the treatment of advanced HER2-positive breast cancer. The primary objectives for the study are to assess the safety of MM-302. In the ongoing study, patients treated with MM-302 showed no signs of clinical decline in cardiac function. Results from the trial also showed that patients treated with MM-302 as a monotherapy, had an estimated progression free survival of 5.6 months and a clinical benefit response rate of 37 percent.

Anthracyclines, particularly doxorubicin, have been an effective component of breast cancer treatment for decades, though their use is ultimately limited by cardiac toxicity.

"These results are encouraging for the development of our nanoliposomal technology platform, and an important step towards successfully establishing the safety and activity profile of MM-302 in the HER2-positive breast cancer population." said Ulrik Nielsen, Chief Scientific Officer at Merrimack. A Phase 2 study for MM-302 is being planned in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.