Taiwan-based OBI Pharma (TPEx: 4174) announced the discontinuation of a Phase I/II trial for its Globo H antibody OBI 888, citing manufacturing cost challenges. The decision comes despite preliminary data showing the antibody was safe, well-tolerated, and demonstrated efficacy.
Reasons for Halt
The trial was stopped because OBI 888 required a larger quantity for treatment compared to the company’s Globo H-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), OBI 999. Large-scale manufacturing of OBI 888 yielded lower-than-expected drug output, impacting cost-effectiveness.
Future Focus
OBI will concentrate on its Globo H ADC, OBI 999, currently in Phase II. The firm is also advancing adagloxad simolenin, a therapeutic cancer vaccine in Phase III, and two other candidates—OBI 833 (Globo H vaccine) and OBI 3424 (small-molecule DNA alkylator)—both in Phase II. Globo H, a tumor-associated antigen linked to breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers, is central to OBI’s pipeline.-Fineline Info & Tech
