Allovectin-7® is a first-in-class immunotherapy that is nearing completion of a pivotal Phase 3 trial in patients with metastatic melanoma. Currently, there are no curative therapies for advanced cases of melanoma in which the cancer has metastasized, and approved treatments are toxic. In patients with advanced metastatic melanoma, median survival typically ranges from six to eleven months. Vical is encouraged by the trial’s progress – recently an independent Safety Monitoring Board completed the trial's fourth scheduled safety analysis and recommended that the trial continue per the protocol.
We have estimated the market potential for Allovectin-7® in metastatic melanoma at approximately $500 million. Additional opportunity could follow for other indications. As Allovectin-7® is not melanoma-specific, it has the potential to be used in other immunoresponsive solid tumors as well. Vical has retained rights for the U.S. and European markets, and is actively seeking a partner for further development and commercialization.