Exhibit 99.1
First Patient Registered in Investigator-Sponsored Phase 2 Trial of
Antigenics' Oncophage Cancer Vaccine in Glioma
Trial being supported by grants from American Brain Tumor
Association and the National Cancer Institute
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 10, 2007--Antigenics Inc. (NASDAQ:
AGEN) today announced that the Brain Tumor Research Center at the
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), has initiated a Phase
2 clinical trial of Oncophage(R) (vitespen), Antigenics'
investigational patient-specific cancer vaccine, for the treatment of
recurrent glioma. The primary objective of the investigator-sponsored
study is to evaluate overall survival in glioma patients receiving
Oncophage vaccination.
"We are highly encouraged by the preliminary Phase 1 results in
which we observed prolonged overall survival when compared with
historical controls, as well as a tumor-specific immune response in
all treated patients," said Andrew T. Parsa, MD, PhD, assistant
professor in the department of neurological surgery at the University
of California, San Francisco, and principal investigator of the trial.
"Commencement of this Phase 2 trial with Oncophage is an important
milestone in the advancement of this novel therapy and represents a
potentially important next step in the treatment of this devastating
disease."
Preliminary Phase 1 results were presented at the 75th annual
meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons in April
and showed that Oncophage vaccination was associated with significant
tumor-specific immune response in all 12 treated patients from
baseline (P < .001). Updated results from Phase 1 of this study will
be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research-National
Cancer Institute-European Organization for Research and Treatment of
Cancer conference on October 25, 2007.
Derived from each individual's tumor, Oncophage is designed to
program the body's immune system to target cancer cells of that
patient. Similar to most cancer vaccines, Oncophage has indicated a
good safety profile. Oncophage has been granted fast track and orphan
drug designations from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in
both metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma. Antigenics recently
filed an application for marketing authorization with the Russian
Ministry of Public Health for Oncophage as a adjuvant treatment for
patients with intermediate-risk kidney cancer.
Study Details
The Phase 2 trial is designed to enroll approximately 30 patients
with recurrent high-grade glioma. Patients will undergo surgery to
remove their tumors, which are then used to manufacture their
patient-specific vaccines. Eligible patients will be treated after
surgery with Oncophage once weekly for four weeks, followed by
biweekly injections until vaccine depletion. The objectives of the
study are to evaluate overall survival and immune response to therapy.
The trial will be supported through grants from the American Brain
Tumor Association and the National Cancer Institute Special Programs
of Research Excellence.
About Brain and Spinal Cord Tumors
Glioma is a cancer affecting the central nervous system that
begins in glial cells (connective tissue cells that surround and
support nerve cells). Malignant glioma is currently a fatal disease.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 20,500 malignant tumors of
the brain or spinal cord will be diagnosed during 2007 in the United
States, and that about 12,740 people will die from these tumors. Brain
and spinal cord tumors account for about 1 percent of all cancers and
2 percent of all cancer-related deaths.
About UCSF
UCSF is a leading university that consistently defines health care
worldwide by conducting advanced biomedical research, educating
graduate students in the life sciences, and providing complex patient
care. For more information, please visit www.ucsf.edu.
About Antigenics
Antigenics (NASDAQ: AGEN) is a biotechnology company working to
develop treatments for cancers and infectious diseases. The company's
investigational product portfolio includes Oncophage(R) (vitespen), a
patient-specific therapeutic cancer vaccine being evaluated in several
indications; Aroplatin(TM) (L-NDDP), a liposomal, third-generation
platinum chemotherapeutic; AG-707, a therapeutic vaccine for the
treatment of genital herpes; and QS-21, an adjuvant being evaluated by
Antigenics' corporate partners in several late-stage clinical trials.
For more information, please visit www.antigenics.com.
This press release contains forward-looking information,
including, without limitation, statements regarding the potential
results of a Phase 1 clinical trial of Oncophage in patients with
glioma; future plans to present and publish trial data and results;
future clinical trial plans, including anticipated funding, enrollment
and participation in a Phase 2 trial of Oncophage in patients with
glioma; and the demographics for disease indications. These risks and
uncertainties include, among others, the risk that a small
investigator-sponsored study in 12 patients is not representative of
what will be shown in larger trials that could support registration;
the ability of clinical investigators participating in Antigenics'
trials to raise funds and enroll patients; timing and results of
studies involving Oncophage; and the factors described in the Risk
Factors section of Antigenics' Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on August 9, 2007. Antigenics cautions
investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking
statements contained in this press release. These statements speak
only as of the date of this document, and Antigenics undertakes no
obligation to update or revise the statements. All forward-looking
statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this
cautionary statement. Antigenics' business is subject to substantial
risks and uncertainties, including those identified above. When
evaluating Antigenics' business and securities, investors should give
careful consideration to these risks and uncertainties.
CONTACT: Antigenics Inc.
Media Relations:
Sunny Uberoi, 212-994-8206
suberoi@antigenics.com
or
Investor Relations:
Robert Anstey, 800-962-2436
ir@antigenics.com