Zacks_Analysts' Blog : Exelixis Presents Positive Data - Analyst Blog

Recently, Exelixis Pharma (EXEL) presented positive data from a mid-stage trial of its lead candidate, XL184. The drug, which is being co-developed with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY), is currently undergoing multiple clinical studies for several indications.

XL184 is being studied in a phase II trial to treat patients with recurrent glioblastoma (GB), the most common form of brain cancer. Exelixis expects to present these data at the annual meeting of American Society of Clinical Oncology, scheduled next month.

The trial aims at studying the safety, tolerability and effectiveness of XL184 in two dosages – 175 mg or 125 mg on previously treated GB patients. The patients selected were divided into two categories – those treated with an antiangiogenic agent and others who were not so treated.

It was observed that the lower dose (125 mg) of XL184 appeared to be better tolerated by the patients. Partial responses were observed in 30% of the patients who did not receive prior antiangiogenic therapy. Patients who did not receive prior therapy lived for 16 weeks before their disease progressed while patients who were treated earlier lived 7.9 weeks.

Exelixis also reported interim data from an ongoing trial of XL184 in multiple indications such as melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), small cell lung cancer (SCLC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), pancreatic, gastric, prostate, ovarian or breast cancer who have undergone up to three treatment options.

 

Exelixis Pharma does not have any marketed product and earns revenues primarily from contracts and licenses. With the company’s pipeline advancing, research and development (R&D) expenses increased 17% to $64.8 million during the first quarter of 2010.

 

Currently, Exelixis is totally focused on the development of its pipeline candidates such as XL184, XL147 and XL765. For XL147, phase Ib/II and phase II trials have been initiated for breast cancer and endometrial cancer, respectively. The company is holding discussions with several potential collaborative partners for its promising pipeline candidates.