Scancell reports encouraging results of melanoma treatment

Scancell's shares advanced after announcing "encouraging results" from the clinical trial of its SCIB1 ImmunoBody drug for the treatment of stage III/IV melanoma. The phase 1 and 2 trial tested the safety and tolerability of four dose levels of SCIB1 administered intramuscularly using an electroporation device. Five of 11 patients in the first part of the trial receiving 2mg, 4mg or 8mg doses have shown evidence of a clinical response. Part 1 patients receiving 2mg and 4mg doses of SCIB1 had one-year and two-year survival rates of 100% and 67%, respectively All 14 patients in the second part of the study with resected tumours are still alive 16-24 months after study entry."As positive and consistent data continues to emerge from this study, our confidence grows that SCIB1 will play an important role in the management of melanoma," said Chief Executive Lindy Durrant. "While recognising the limitations of this open label trial, the results nonetheless detail a high rate of immune responders and a strong immune response with a drug that is well-tolerated and safe."Shares rose 4.41% to 35.50p at 11:24 on Monday.RD