Do It Yourself Herceptin Treatment

[Joe]

I came across the following information:

Halozyme Announces Roche Doses First Patient In Phase 3 Clinical Trial With Subcutaneous Herceptin.

22 Oct 2009

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:HALO) and Roche announced dosing of the first patient in a Phase 3 registration trial using Enhanze™ technology (rHuPH20, recombinant human hyaluronidase) in a subcutaneous formulation with Roche's anticancer biologic, Herceptin (trastuzumab). This represents the first Roche product to enter a Phase 3 registration study as part of the Halozyme Roche collaboration and initiation of the clinical trial has triggered a milestone payment of $5 million to Halozyme. Herceptin is approved to treat HER2-positive breast cancer and currently is given intravenously (IV).

This innovative technology is anticipated to allow patients with HER2-positive breast cancer to administer Herceptin themselves with or without the support of a healthcare professional via a simple subcutaneous injection. Infusion-free administration with subcutaneous Herceptin means for example that patients with early breast cancer completing their one year of Herceptin therapy would have greater convenience of being able to receive treatment at their family doctor's office or at home without having to go to a hospital, a significant and welcome benefit.

"The start of this Phase 3 subcutaneous Herceptin trial is a major achievement for the Halozyme and Roche collaboration, representing the first Roche target to reach a pivotal trial. It reflects years of focus, dedication, and teamwork with the aim of providing an innovative solution for improved patient
care," said Jonathan Lim, M.D., Halozyme's President and CEO. "I congratulate the alliance on the speed of progress to Phase 3."
In addition, offering Herceptin treatment outside of the hospital setting could reduce costs and potentially help to maximize the efficient use of hospital resources.

Subcutaneous Herceptin would come in a ready-to-use administration device instead of an infusion-bag that needs to be prepared by a pharmacist. Physicians and nurses would conduct fewer infusions at the hospital freeing up infusion chair time for other procedures. Additional information about this Phase 3 subcutaneous Herceptin clinical trial can be found at

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov and http://www.roche-trials.com.

Halozyme Roche Collaboration

In December 2006, Halozyme entered into an agreement with Roche to apply Halozyme's proprietary Enhanze technology to Roche's biological therapeutic compounds. Under the terms of the agreement, Roche made an initial payment to Halozyme for the application of its recombinant human enzyme,
rHuPH20, to three pre-defined biologic targets exclusive to Roche. In December 2008, Roche selected a fourth biologic target followed by selection of a fifth target in June 2009 and has the option to exclusively develop and commercialize rHuPH20 with an additional eight potential targets. Pending the successful achievement of a series of clinical, regulatory, and sales events, Roche will pay Halozyme additional milestones as well as royalties on future product sales. Under the collaboration, Roche has access to Halozyme's expertise in developing and applying rHuPH20 to Roche biologics directed at
multiple targets. Roche obtained a worldwide, exclusive license to develop and commercialize product combinations of rHuPH20 and Roche compounds resulting from the collaboration.


Regards
Joe

[StephN]

Thanks, Joe -

I have been watching this company for about a year - maybe I got wind of it at AACR last year?

Anyway the stock is an attractive price! Just hope they can get more approvals on what they are working on.

[Rich66]

"offering Herceptin treatment outside of the hospital setting could reduce costs and potentially help to maximize the efficient use of hospital resources."

Yeah! Now make it oral like Tykerb. Then combine them: Hercepkerb.

[hutchibk]

Tyceptin. Except, medicare likes to make it difficult to get oral meds paid for...

[Jackie07]

Brenda,

You crack me up!

Reminded me of the combining forms of the word tyronosaurus... Think the Medicare people will be frightened at the whisper of 'he who shall not be named' and soften their stand?

[ElaineM]

A Herceptin shot sounds pretty cool to me !! However, a Herceptin pill might might also go well with Tykerb pills.
People would not have to show up in the chemo room as often making everything more convenient and giving people more free time for other things.
Of course getting insurance companies on board might involve a whole new ball game.