OncoGenex Reports Disappointing Results From Rainier Phase 2 Study - Quick Facts

(RTTNews) - OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OGXI) announced initial results from the Phase 2 Rainier study evaluating apatorsen in combination with ABRAXANE and gemcitabine compared to ABRAXANE and gemcitabine alone in patients with untreated metastatic pancreatic cancer. The addition of apatorsen to ABRAXANE and gemcitabine did not demonstrate a survival benefit compared to ABRAXANE and gemcitabine alone.

The most common grade 3/4 treatment-related toxicities on the apatorsen arm were anemia, neutropenia and fatigue, also consistent with the chemotherapy regimen side effects. The company said these and other adverse events observed on the apatorsen arm were similar to those seen in previous trials, with the exception of an increase in grade 4 or greater adverse events and serious adverse events in this pancreatic cancer trial.

"While we are disappointed with the Rainier results, we also recognize the challenges associated with developing effective treatments for such a lethal and complex disease. We remain confident in our broader apatorsen program, which includes ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials in lung, prostate and bladder cancers," said Scott Cormack, President and CEO of OncoGenex.