The last couple of years has seen some fascinating and exciting breakthroughs in medical treatments thanks to the results of successful clinical trials. Here are some of the success stories from the world of medical biotechnology:
- Approval for first PD-L1 cancer drug
A new drug called Tecentriq has achieved excellent phase III trial results and has been approved for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. It had already been approved for use with bladder cancer and is the one and only drug so far available that targets the checkpoint inhibitor PD-L1. This is a very desirable immune-oncology target. It is hoped that the near future will see its use for breast, colorectal and prostate cancer.
- Closer to a cure for HIV
Results from a phase IIa trial have shown considerable excitement around a small molecule called ABX464 that inhibits the replication of the HIV virus. Whilst currently treatment includes antiretrovirals, the promising thing about ABX464 is that it targets the virus where it lies in its latent form thus having the potential to wipe out the virus totally.
- Therapy for peanut allergy
At the end of 2016, brilliant results were seen in a phase IIb trial for Viaskin Peanut. The treatment consists of a skin patch that can significantly improve the scary symptoms of a peanut allergy in children aged between 6 & 11 who are dangerously allergic and at risk of death from accidental exposure. If you’re interested in taking part in Paid Medical Trials, find out more at https://www.trials4us.co.uk/
- Antibody therapy for cancer – 100% patient response
A phase I/IIa trial using the antibody MOR202 has revealed impressive results. This antibody fights the CD38 antigen of myeloma cells. The trial found that when MOR202 is used in combination with other immunomodulating drugs, 100% of patients displayed a positive result thanks to the higher dose.
- Epilepsy and Cannabinoids
For drug-resistant epilepsy, a promising breakthrough is the use of a cannabinoid compound called Epidiolex. It has successful reduced the number of childhood seizures throughout phase III trials for both Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Previously resistant to any therapy, this drug could be the first on offer to significantly improve the lives of those affected.
- Diagnostic test to stop the need for chemotherapy
Some 14 years ago, a diagnostic tool called Mammaprint was launched which tested the activity of the 70 genes that cause breast cancer. This was used to determine if chemotherapy was the best course of action for the patient. During phase III trials, it has been revealed that this tool can reduce the amount of pointless chemotherapy therapy by 46%. This means that many patients who would have suffered the ill effects of aggressive chemotherapy have avoided it.
