The biotech company MediGene AG has announced the initiation of a phase II trial of the drug candidate EndoTAGTM-1 for the treatment of triple receptor negative breast cancer. The objective of the trial is to investigate the efficacy of EndoTAGTM-1 against this highly aggressive type of cancer, and to collect safety data. 135 patients are to be enrolled in this trial, which will be conducted by more than 20 centres in different European countries. The final results of the trial are expected for 2009.

EndoTAGTM-1 specifically destroys the blood vessels of tumours, thus "starving out" cancerous cells. Another phase II trial of EndoTAGTM-1 in the indication pancreatic cancer, which is planned to enrol 200 patients, has been in progress since September 2005.

Dr Peter Heinrich, CEO of MediGene AG, says, "Having obtained promising interim results from the first phase II trial of EndoTAGTM-1 in the indication pancreatic cancer, we take another important step to realize the high potential of this versatile drug candidate by extending the phase II program to another type of cancer. At present there is no satisfactory therapy available for triple receptor negative breast cancer. Therefore the medical need in this indication is tremendous, just as the market opportunities for an effective drug."

EndoTAGTM-1 is a combination of the established cytostatic drug paclitaxel, and a delivery system made up of cationic lipids. The novel delivery system of EndoTAGTM-1 ensures the specific delivery of the drug to the newly formed tumour blood vessels. The walls of these developing blood vessels have a negatively charged surface to which the cationic liposomes attach for the release of the cytostatic drug, which destroys the blood vessels, thus reducing the tumor's nutrient supply.