DNAtrix, a clinical stage, biotechnology company developing virus-driven immunotherapies for cancer, announced the successful intratumoral administration of DNX-2401 with the Alcyone MEMS Cannula (AMC) to patients with recurrent glioblastoma. A substudy is being performed as part of a larger multicenter study to evaluate DNX-2401 as treatment for recurrent glioblastoma, a disease for which there is neither a cure nor adequate treatment.
DNX-2401 is a potent oncolytic adenovirus that targets and kills cancer cells, while leaving normal cells intact. Multiple clinical studies in patients with recurrent glioblastoma and gynecologic cancer have shown that DNX-2401 has a favorable safety profile, strong tumor-killing potential and can trigger an antitumor immune response. The AMC is a dual-lumen MRI-safe neuro-ventricular cannula with the smallest-in-class micro-tip and patented design features that ensure optimal and consistent drug distribution while eliminating backflow.
Analysis of intraoperative MRI from the pilot study demonstrates that the AMC delivers DNX-2401 precisely and accurately into the tumor. Neurosurgeons participating in the study have also praised the cannula’s ease of use.
“The Alcyone MEMS Cannula is a compelling technology that ensures a complete dose of DNX-2401 is delivered directly to the brain tumor and provides a standard, reliable and consistent method of virus administration. We are excited to incorporate this technical advantage into our development program to combat this devastating disease,” said Frank Tufaro, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of DNAtrix.
“Best-in-class rational delivery is fundamental to development of best-in-class therapy. The talented DNAtrix scientists recognize the value of our platform technologies for both intraparenchymal and intrathecal delivery for oncolytic virus therapy. We are excited about working with DNAtrix as we roll-out the Phase 2 study for GBM as well studies for other indications,” said PJ Anand, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Alcyone Lifesciences.
DNAtrix is utilizing the AMC for the intratumoral administration of DNX-2401 in a Phase 2 study with DNX-2401 followed by the checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab.