ABOVE: GSK Stock Chart
GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) – Continued Good News for ASCI
(Data Released 5/30/2008)
New data presented by GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) emphasized the possible promise of MAGE-A3 Antigen-Specific Cancer Immunotherapeutic (ASCI). MAGE-A3 results were presented within three studies evaluating highly targeted immunotherapy as a treatment for metastatic melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This amalgam of data was presented at the 2008 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.
A randomised, open label (not blind) Phase II study designed to evaluate two different formulations of the MAGE-A3 ASCI in patients with metastatic melanoma has been conducted. ASCI is a composite of MAGE-A3 recombinant protein and a GSK Adjuvant System. ASCI was evaluated and the numbers suggest the possibility of a salutary clinical response. The capacity of this study to reveal meaningful use for ASCI is limited because of its design. However, if the aforementioned study is taken together with the positive findings in the, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II study as well as the subsequent creation of the current Phase III safety and efficacy trial in MAGE-A3-positive NSCLC patients (stage IB, II and IIIA), then the data is encouraging.
I have engaged in scientific research throughout my career in medicine. As well, I am an American trained physician that practices medicine and has also engaged in clinical research. However just as important, I am a successful real estate and stock investor. In my opinion, the data presented about ASCI appears to be favorable. GSK may very well increase its profitability through the success of ASCI in the market place.
