17 December 2018 - - The FDA had reviewed US-based Generex biotechnology Corp.'s (OTCQB: GNBT) investigational new drug application and given notification that the study can proceed, the company said.

The study: A Phase II Clinical Trial of Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in Combination with the AE37 Peptide Vaccine in Patients with Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer, is sponsored by Generex and conducted under a collaboration agreement with Merck and a clinical trial agreement with the NSABP Foundation, Inc. (NSABP).

The combination study builds on previous clinical studies of both AE37 and Keytruda. AE37, a cancer vaccine, was the subject of a 300 patient prospective, randomized and single-blinded Phase II study in patients with breast cancer.

That study showed a strong trend toward reduced relapses,particularly in patients with triple negative breast cancer.

Keytruda also has shown encouraging results in patients with triple negative breast cancer when used as monotherapy.

The complementary mechanisms of action of the two drugs suggest the combination may have the potential to be better than either alone.

AE37 is unique among therapeutic cancer vaccines in that it ensures specific activation of CD4+ T helper cells, which are critical in generating an effective immune response. 

Its improved immunological potency, along with an excellent safety profile, offers particular advantages for combination studies.

In addition to the Phase II study in breast cancer patients, AE37 also has been tested in a Phase I study in prostate cancer patients. 

AE37 treated patients have consistently displayed a robust, long-lasting and specific response to the vaccine.

AE37 is an investigational therapeutic cancer vaccine being developed to treat certain types of breast cancer.

It is a combination of portions of two proteins that together stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells.

Up to 80% of breast cancers express some level of a protein called HER2.

While treatments exist to target HER2 in breast cancer patients with the highest level of HER2 expression (roughly 25%), the majority of patients who have lower levels of expression have more limited treatment options.

AE37 consists of a protein derived from the HER2 protein combined with a portion of the MHC class II associated invariant chain which has been termed Ii-Key.

AE37 does not directly target HER2, but rather acts as a vaccine to activate the immune system to recognise the HER2 protein, which is expressed on cancer cells as foreign. AE37 ensures activation of CD4-positive lymphocytes, immune cells that are important in stimulating both the antibody response (antibodies against HER2) and cellular responses directed against the HER2 protein in breast cancer cells.

The Ii-Key peptide is coupled with the HER2 protein to ensure a more robust and long-lasting response.

Generex is a strategic, diversified healthcare holdings company with offerings in a variety of arenas, including diagnostics, medical devices, and pharmaceutical development.

The company's direct-to-patient services support its strategy of all-inclusive access to doctors, diagnostics, therapeutics, and additional health-related services to greatly improve the patient experience in receiving care.

On the provider side, Generex's management services remove administrative burdens in multiple provider settings, including private practice and hospital, allowing doctors to devote more time to patient care.

Revenue from the company's subsidiaries supports the clinical advancement of its wholly owned therapeutic products with a focus in immunotherapeutics based on stimulating critical members of the immune response, known as T helper cells, and in its proprietary buccal administration of insulin.