Avant brain cancer vaccine has wider promise

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A promising vaccine to treat brain cancer developed by Avant Immunotherapeutics Inc may also hold promise against numerous other types of cancer, Interim Chief Executive Anthony Marucci said in an interview.

Researchers said on Monday that Avant's vaccine, licensed by Pfizer Inc in April, more than doubled the survival time in patients with the most common and deadly type of brain tumor in a clinical trial.

Marucci, whose company is guaranteed an undisclosed double- digit royalty on Pfizer's future sales of the product, said the world's largest drugmaker has the money and could have the desire to greatly widen the scope of research on the vaccine.

"My guess is they would want to do larger studies in different indications, like head and neck cancer, ovarian and prostate cancer," Marucci said in a recent interview, noting that such studies could cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

For treatment of brain cancer alone, Marucci said the vaccine could garner annual U.S. sales of at least $500 million and have significant sales potential in overseas markets.

The vaccine works by targeting a receptor to a type of protein called epidermal growth factor that has a mutation only found in cancer cells.

In the recently completed trial, the vaccine was used in combination with Temodar, a brain cancer drug sold by Schering- Plough Corp that has annual sales of more than $800 million.

"The only side effect you have with the vaccine is that it gives you a little redness around the site where it is injected, so the safety profile is an added bonus," Marucci said. "In oncology, any time you have a mild side effect profile, you're grateful."

Marucci said the price of Avant's vaccine will likely be in line with Temodar, which he said costs about $35,000 for a year of treatment.

(Editing by Andre Grenon)