Advanced Viral enrolls first patient in Phase II trial

The new Phase II open label study at McGill University will explore the effect of an investigational drug on patients with recurrent or advanced cancer. Researchers indicate that the treatment may help patients who suffer from severe appetite loss, fatigue and weight loss when undergoing aggressive cancer therapy.

The Phase II open label study will examine the effect of a 4mL subcutaneous dose of AVR118 on weight, appetite, performance status, and other measures of quality of life in patients with recurrent or advanced malignancies. AVR118 will be administered daily for a trial period of 28 days. Patients who appear to benefit from the trial period dosing will be eligible to continue on AVR118, generating longer term efficacy data.

Enrollment initially will include 14 patients between the ages of 18 and 85 who have recurrent or advanced malignancies and are suffering from symptoms of cachexia, including muscle wasting, severe fatigue and loss of appetite. Pending review of preliminary data, there is a provision to increase enrollment to 30 patients.