Tarvacin is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds directly to tumor blood vessels to inhibit growth and development of solid tumors. The drug has also shown promise in the treatment of viral infections and is expected to recognize a broad spectrum of enveloped viral types.
The clinical trial is open to patients with any advanced refractory solid tumor malignancy. The initial clinical centers open for patient enrollment are the Scottsdale and Tucson sites of the Arizona Cancer Center.
The clinical trial is designed to enroll up to 28 patients with advanced solid tumors that no longer respond to standard cancer treatments. The objectives of this open-label dose escalation study are firstly, to determine the safety and tolerability of Tarvacin administered intravenously to patients with advanced cancer; secondly, characterize the pharmacokinetic profile of Tarvacin and finally, define the dose-limiting toxicities, maximum tolerated dose and/or maximum effective dose of Tarvacin.
Patients who demonstrate an objective response to therapy may be offered continued treatment on an extension protocol. Peregrine also has plans to conduct trials of Tarvacin in Hepatitis C Virus.