Phase III Trial Initiated for BLP25 Liposome Vaccine in Breast Cancer Patients

Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany, has initiated a global phase III trial of BLP25 liposome vaccine (L-BLP25, Stimuvax) in patients with hormone receptor–positive, locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. L-BLP25 is an investigational therapeutic cancer vaccine being developed by Merck KGaA under a license agreement with Oncothyreon.

The phase III placebo-controlled trial, named STRIDE (STimulating immune Response In aDvanced brEast cancer), is anticipated to enroll more than 900 patients at approximately 180 sites in over 30 countries. The primary endpoint of STRIDE is progressionfree survival. Overall survival, quality of life, tumor response, and safety will also be assessed.