AUCKLAND CITY HOSPITAL

Auckland Researchers Launch Clinical Trial to Investigate 5FU Chemotherapy Cardiotoxicity

3 months ago

• University of Auckland and Auckland City Hospital researchers initiate a clinical trial to study severe cardiac side effects of 5-fluorouracil (5FU), a widely-used chemotherapy drug affecting 5% of patients. • The two-year study, funded by multiple organizations including the Gut Cancer Foundation, aims to identify risk factors and mechanisms behind 5FU-induced cardiotoxicity through comprehensive patient monitoring. • Researchers will utilize Holter monitors, blood tests, and urine samples from cancer patients to understand drug metabolism patterns and develop predictive markers for adverse cardiac reactions.

Vir Biotechnology's Tobevibart and Elebsiran Show Promise in Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment

6 months ago

• Vir Biotechnology's MARCH Phase 2 trial shows that tobevibart and elebsiran, alone or with PEG-IFNα, led to HBsAg loss in chronic hepatitis B patients. • In patients with low baseline HBsAg, 39% achieved HBsAg loss with tobevibart and elebsiran, while 46% achieved it with the triplet regimen. • The safety and tolerability profiles of both regimens were consistent with prior studies, with mostly mild to moderate treatment-emergent adverse events. • Functional cure data from the 24-week follow-up are expected in Q2 2025, which will determine the next steps in clinical development.

Vir Biotechnology's Tobevibart and Elebsiran Show Promise in Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment

6 months ago

• Vir Biotechnology announced positive end-of-treatment data from its Phase 2 MARCH trial, evaluating tobevibart and elebsiran combinations for chronic hepatitis B. • In participants with low baseline HBsAg, 39% achieved HBsAg loss with tobevibart + elebsiran, and 46% with the triplet regimen including pegylated interferon alfa. • The safety and tolerability profile of the regimens were consistent with prior studies, with treatment-emergent adverse events generally mild to moderate. • Key functional cure data from the 24-week follow-up are expected in Q2 2025, which will inform the next steps of clinical development.