IRX Therapeutics To Present Phase 2 Results At 7th International Conference On Head And Neck Cancer

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials;  Ear, Nose and Throat
Article Date: 17 Jul 2008 - 1:00 PST

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IRX Therapeutics, a privately-held company dedicated to the discovery and development of proprietary therapies for the treatment of cancer and viral diseases, today announced that a symposium on findings from its Phase 2 clinical trial of IRX-2 will be held on July 22, 2008 at 6:30 am (PDT) during the 7th International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer at the San Francisco Marriot Hotel. The American Head and Neck Society's International Conference on Head and Neck Cancer has been the world's pre-eminent meeting for head and neck cancer since its inception in 1984. Approximately 1,600 surgeons, oncologists, scientists and allied health professionals are expected to attend.

The symposium, chaired by Dr. Gregory T. Wolf, current President of the American Head and Neck Society, titled, "New Paradigm for the Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer" will include three presentations:

Arlene A. Forastiere, M.D., will present "Overview of Current Therapies for Head and Neck Cancer." Dr. Forastiere is Professor of Oncology, Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Radiation Oncology at The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University.

Theresa L. Whiteside, Ph.D. will present "Overcoming Immunosuppressive Effects in Head and Neck Cancer." Dr. Whiteside is Professor of Pathology, Immunology and Otolaryngology and is Director of the Immunologic Monitoring and Cellular Products Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Gregory T. Wolf, M.D., F.A.C.S., the Principal Investigator for the Phase 2 trial of IRX-2, will present "IRX-2: Promising New Immunotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer." Dr. Wolf is the Professor and Chair, Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Michigan as well as Director of the University of Michigan Head and Neck Oncology SPORE Program.

Following the presentations there will be a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Wolf on the role of immunotherapy in head and neck cancer.

IRX Therapeutics will also be sponsoring an exhibit booth at the Conference highlighting the upcoming INSPIRE trial, a global Phase 3 clinical trial of IRX-2 in head and neck cancer.

About Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer is a deadly disease that often goes undiagnosed until it is at an advanced stage. There are 500,000 new cases worldwide each year, with about 45,000 new cases in the United States. Head and neck cancer is associated with high rates of recurrence and mortality and is understood to be highly immunosuppressive. The current standard of care for newly diagnosed head and neck cancer is primarily curative surgery followed by radiation therapy or, in some cases, chemoradiation. For patients indicated for curative surgery, there is no approved neoadjuvant therapy. The immunosuppressive nature of head and neck cancer creates a potential role for immunotherapy as a neoadjuvant intervention in the treatment of this disease.

About IRX Therapeutics

IRX Therapeutics is a privately-held immunotherapy company founded by John W. Hadden, M.D., a pioneer in the field of Immunopharmacology. The Company's product platform seeks to restore an effective cellular immune response for the treatment of advanced cancers and viral diseases by correcting both dendritic cell and T-cell defects. An effective immune response is essential for the eradication of viruses and tumors.

The Company's lead product, IRX-2 (citoplurikin), received Fast Track designation by the Food and Drug Administration. Phase 1/2 and Phase 2 clinical trials in late-stage head and neck cancer patients have been completed.

IRX Therapeutics