Antigenics' cancer drug shows early survival edge (Reuters)

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Antigenics Inc. said on Monday a preliminary analysis showed certain advanced skin cancer patients taking its Oncophage vaccine survived more than 50 percent longer in a late-stage test, sending shares up 30 percent in pre-market trading.

Patients with stage IV M1a melanoma lived 20.9 months on Oncophage compared to 12.8 months for those patients in the physician's choice treatment arm, the company said.

Antigenics said the difference in the Phase III test has yet to reach statistical significance and a final analysis is expected in the first quarter of next year. The study is not intended for registration.

The 322-patient study placed patients with various stages of metastatic melanoma on Oncophage or on a treatment chosen by the physician. Overall, patients on Oncophage fared similarly to those in the physician's choice arm of the study, but patients in the M1a stage experienced the survival benefit.

Antigenics said it planned to start a Phase III study in the first half of next year testing Oncophage in this M1a patient group.

Melanoma, which is the most serious form of skin cancer, will kill about 7,700 people in the United States this year, according to Antigenics.

Shares of Antigenics rose $1.52 to $6.53 in pre-market trading on the Inet electronic exchange.