Medivir finds selective effect signal on liver cancer tissue in early drug trial

Medivir released interim results from a phase 1a study of MIV-818 for the treatment of advanced liver cancer that showed selective effect signal on liver cancer tissue, according to a press release.

“It is very promising to already at this early stage of clinical development see clear indications that MIV-818 has a liver-directed effect,” Uli Hacksell, PhD, CEO of Medivir, said in the release. “It is therefore with great expectations that we will proceed with the clinical program for MIV-818. The development of MIV-818 is a central part of our vision — creating shareholder value and improving the lives of cancer patients through transformative drugs."

MIV-818 is a pro-drug designed to selectively treat liver cancers while minimizing side effects.

Analysis of the first six patients treated with escalating doses showed that MIV-818 was well-tolerated. The effect signal, measured as DNA damage, was apparent in liver biopsies from tumor tissue. The investigators noted that normal liver tissue did not appear to have been affected by the treatment.

Based on the positive phase 1a results, Medivir announced that the company will initiate the phase Ib part of the study in which three cohorts of patients will receive different escalated doses to identify the recommend phase 2 dose.

Reference: www.medivir.com