Genentech reports encouraging phase II results

Pertuzumab or 2C4 is the first in a new class of investigational agents known as HER dimerization inhibitors (HDIs). Pertuzumab is designed to bind to the HER2 receptor – a protein found on the surface of epithelial cells – and inhibit the ability of HER2 to interact with other HER family receptors. HER dimerization (pairing) is believed to play an important role in the growth and formation of several different cancer types.

In this study, no new or unexpected safety signals were observed. Adverse events were similar to those observed in previous clinical trials of pertuzumab and included fatigue, diarrhea, back pain, and neutropenia. The cardiac safety profile in the pertuzumab arm was similar to that of the gemcitabine-alone arm; there was one congestive heart failure event reported in the pertuzumab arm.

The primary endpoint of the phase II study was progression-free survival. Genentech said more detailed information about adverse events will be available when the data are presented.

Genentech and Roche are evaluating pertuzumab in solid tumors in ovarian and breast cancers, and in combination with other therapies.