CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 19, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MACK ) today announced it will present clinical data on three novel antibody cancer therapeutics at the ESMO (European Society for Medical Oncology) 2014 Congress, September 26-30 in Madrid. Presentations will include a combined biomarker analysis of MM-121 across three Phase 2 studies, MM-111 Phase 1 biomarker data and updated Phase 1 safety and clinical activity for MM-151.
Merrimack will present data on the following programs at ESMO 2014:
MM-151: A novel oligoclonal antibody combination designed to inhibit EGFR-driven tumor growth
- Updated safety and clinical activity along with preliminary biomarker data from a Phase 1 study of MM-151 in patients with refractory solid tumors alone and in combination with irinotecan will be presented.
- MM-151's oligoclonal composition is designed to block tumor growth by inhibiting EGFR-signaling and engaging the immune system.
General Poster Session:
- A first-in-human study evaluating the safety and pharmacology of MM-151, a novel oligoclonal anti-EGFR antibody combination in patients with refractory solid tumors (Abstract #7832)
Session Title: Developmental therapeutics
Saturday, September 27, 2014, 12:45 PM-1:45 PM CEST
MM-111: The first clinical stage bispecific antibody targeting HER2 and ErbB3
- Biomarker data from a Phase 1 study of MM-111 in combination with multiple treatment regimens in patients with advanced HER2 positive solid tumors will be presented.
- MM-111 is designed to inhibit ErbB3 in HER2-overexpressing tumor cells, as co-activation of these two proteins has been associated with poor prognosis in a variety of cancer types. MM-111 is currently being studied in a biomarker-stratified Phase 2 trial in combination with trastuzumab and paclitaxel in patients with advanced gastric, esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancers.
General Poster Session:
- Biomarker Analysis of a Phase 1 Study of MM-111, a Bispecific HER2/HER3 Antibody Fusion Protein, in Combination with Multiple Treatment Regimens in Patients with Advanced HER2 Positive Solid Tumors (Abstract #5426)
Session Title: Biomarkers
Sunday, September 28, 2014, 12:45 PM-1:45 PM CEST
MM-121: An antibody designed to target ErbB3, a critical node in the progression of multiple cancer indications
- Meta-analysis of biomarker data across three randomized Phase 2 studies investigating MM-121 in combination with paclitaxel in platinum resistant ovarian cancer, MM-121 in combination with exemestane in ER/PR+ breast cancer and MM-121 in combination with erlotinib in non-small cell lung cancer will be presented.
General Poster Session:
- A meta-analysis of biomarkers in three randomized, Phase 2 studies of MM-121, a ligand-blocking anti-ErbB3 antibody, in patients with ovarian, lung and breast cancers (Abstract #7006)
Session Title: Biomarkers
Sunday, September 28, 2014, 12:45 PM-1:45 PM CEST
About Merrimack
Merrimack is a biopharmaceutical company discovering, developing and preparing to commercialize innovative medicines paired with companion diagnostics for the treatment of cancer. Merrimack seeks to gain a deeper understanding of underlying cancer biology through its systems biology-based approach and develop new insights, therapeutics and diagnostics to improve outcomes for cancer patients. Merrimack currently has six oncology therapeutics in clinical development and three additional candidates in late stage preclinical development. Merrimack's lead product candidate, MM-398, recently completed a Phase 3 trial in post-gemcitabine pancreatic cancer. Based on the results of this trial, Merrimack intends to file a New Drug Application for MM-398 in 2014. For more information, please visit Merrimack's website at www.merrimackpharma.com .
Forward-Looking Statements
To the extent that statements contained in this press release are not descriptions of historical facts, they are forward-looking statements reflecting the current beliefs and expectations of management made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements include any statements about Merrimack's strategy, future operations, future financial position and future expectations and plans and prospects for Merrimack, and any other statements containing the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "target," "potential," "will," "would," "could," "should," "continue," and similar expressions. In this press release, Merrimack's forward-looking statements include statements about the potential effectiveness and tolerability of its investigational therapeutics in certain patient populations or subpopulations, its ability to develop a predictive diagnostic and its ability to translate clinical data into future clinical success. Such forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause Merrimack's clinical development programs, future results, performance or achievements to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the uncertainties inherent in the initiation of future clinical trials, availability of data from ongoing clinical trials, expectations for regulatory approvals and other matters that could affect the availability or commercial potential of Merrimack's drug candidates or companion diagnostics. Merrimack undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Merrimack's views as of any date subsequent to the date hereof. For a further description of the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to Merrimack's business in general, see the "Risk Factors" section of Merrimack's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 11, 2014 and other reports Merrimack files with the SEC.
Media Contacts: Dana Robie Merrimack 617-441-7408 Heather Bonsiero Spectrum 202-955-6222 Investor Contact: Geoffrey Grande, CFA Merrimack 617-441-7602
