DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
ZymoGenetics Inc. (ZGEN) said an experimental immunotherapy
treatment for metastatic melanoma showed "positive survival"
results in a mid-stage trial.
The data come in the midst of Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.'s (BMY)
$836 million buyout of ZymoGenetics. Chief Executive Lamberto
Andreotti has said the acquisition would strengthen its Hepatitis C
portfolio.
In the study of 40 patients with advanced melanoma, participants
were treated with one of three doses of the drug. The median
overall survival rate was 12.4 months, with 53% surviving after a
year. Overall response rate was 23% in evaluable patients, and
progression-free survival was 4.3 months.
Common adverse effects were fatigue, rash, fever myalgia,
anorexia, chills and nausea.
Among ZymoGenetics other products are Recothrom, a drug used in
surgeries to prevent blood clotting, and six biologic drug
candidates for atopic dermatitis.
ZymoGenetics shares closed Tuesday at $9.75--the buyout
price--and were inactive premarket.
-By Matt Jarzemsky, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2240; matthew.jarzemsky@dowjones.com