Leuvectin Vical Inc
Kaushik, A.
Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs 2(7): 976-981
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 1472-4472 PMID: 11757801 Document Number: 530906
Vical's Leuvectin, a plasmid DNA expression vector encoding interleukin-2 (IL-2) complexed with a lipid delivery vehicle (DMRIE/DOPE)for intratumoral injection, is under development as a potential gene therapy for cancer. In 1997, it was in phase II trials for kidney and prostate cancer [249445], [270243]. In April 2001, the phase II trial in kidney cancer was discontinued, with a new phase II trial planned for this indication [406405]. In May 2001, prostate cancer trials were ongoing [409071]. By March 1999, testing for other indications had been suspended, with the company's priority being to work toward the most promising indications [316709]. In November 2000, it was announced that Vical has been issued US-06147055 for the use of gene-based, non-viral delivery of IL-2 for the treatment of cancer. The company was also issued US-05641665 covering the Leuvectin construct in 1997 [389677].