The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently issued a method of treatment patent (U.S. Patent No. 8,507,442) to OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s (OMED) oncology candidate, vantictumab (OMP-18R5). The patent is set to expire in 2029.
Earlier OncoMed received a U.S. composition of matter patent for the candidate. OncoMed also has several patents and pending patent applications for vantictumab in fourteen different countries and in Europe.
Vantictumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the Wnt pathway, is currently in a phase I study for the treatment of patients suffering from advanced solid tumors. In Jun 2013, OncoMed had presented data from the phase I study at the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
Results from the study revealed that vantictumab was generally well tolerated and ensured bone health. Moreover, favourable pharmacodynamic effects of the candidate were observed during the study.
Based on these encouraging data, OncoMed now plans to initiate three phase Ib studies on vantictumab in some specific tumor indications later in the year. These studies will be in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy.
We note that OncoMed has a global strategic agreement with Bayer (BAYRY) to discover, develop and commercialize novel anti-cancer stem cell therapeutics that targets the Wnt signaling pathway. Vantictumab is the lead program under this Wnt pathway.
We remind investors that most of the candidates at OncoMed are in early stages of development. However, the company’s collaboration with big companies like Bayer and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) are encouraging. We expect investor focus to remain on the company’s pipeline going forward.
OncoMed currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Other stocks, such as Actelion Ltd. (ALIOF), are comparatively better positioned with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
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