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Thallion Discontinues Phase II Glioblastoma Multiforme Trial After Review of Interim Data

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, December 18th 2009 at 6:10 GMT by Market Wire
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MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Dec. 18, 2009) - Thallion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX:TLN) today announced that it will close its Phase II trial evaluating TLN-4601 as a treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) due to a lack of measurable efficacy after analysis of the interim data. The Company's decision to close the study follows a recommendation by the Study Committee, comprised of the medical investigators leading the clinical trial.

"Although we are disappointed by the results of the study, the decision to close the TLN-4601 trial will allow us to focus our resources on programs with more immediate commercial potential. On behalf of Thallion, I would like to thank our clinical investigators and the patients that participated in the GBM trial," said Lloyd M. Segal, Chief Executive Officer of Thallion.

The planned interim analysis was conducted after enrolling 20 of the targeted 40 patients in the open label trial. Study results showed that only three out of seventeen evaluable patients demonstrated stable disease after two cycles (six weeks) of treatment. No stable disease was observed after four cycles of treatment. TLN-4601 was considered as generally safe and well tolerated. In the absence of any meaningful clinical response, the Study Committee recommended to the Company that the study be stopped.
Thallion intends to complete a full analysis of the data package prior to making a decision on the next steps for the TLN-4601 program, including its partnership potential.

In the Phase II trial, TLN-4601 was continuously administered intravenously at a dosage level of 480 mg/m2/day over 14 days, followed by 7 days off treatment (three-week cycles). The primary endpoint of the open label trial was six-month progression free survival, with secondary endpoints including tumour response, progression-free survival at 12 months, as well as overall survival.

About TLN-4601

TLN-4601 is a novel small molecule derived from a nonpathogenic microorganism. It was discovered using DECIPHER^®, Thallion's proprietary genomics-based drug discovery platform. TLN-4601 has demonstrated broad in vitro cytotoxic activity across a diverse panel of tumor cell lines and in vivo efficacy in a number of xenograft tumor models. Phase I clinical testing showed the compound to be safe and well tolerated, with early signs of anti-tumor activity. TLN-4601 was being evaluated in a Phase II glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) clinical study based on its proposed mechanism of action and preclinical animal data demonstrating that the compound crosses the blood brain barrier and appears to preferentially accumulate within brain tumors.

About Thallion Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Thallion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX:TLN) is a biotechnology company developing pharmaceutical products in the areas of oncology and infectious disease. The Company's clinical programs include Shigamabs^® and TLN-4601, a novel anti-cancer therapy. Shigamabs^® is a dual antibody product for the treatment of Shiga toxin producing E. coli bacterial infections which is ready to begin a Phase II clinical program upon the completion of a development partnership. Additional information about Thallion can be obtained at [ www.thallion.com ].

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believe", "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect" and other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect Thallion's current expectation and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, changing market conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process and other risks detailed from time-to-time in Thallion's ongoing filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which filings can be found at [ www.sedar.com ]. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Thallion undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable Canadian securities laws.