Dr. Yael Cohen on Anti-Angiogenic Agent VB-111

Yael Cohen, MD, vice president of Clinical Development at VBL Therapeutics Pharmaceuticals, discusses VB-111, a highly targeted anti-angiogenic agent that is being investigated in several tumor types.

The VB-111 program began as an open trial for patients with any type of cancer. Promising responses were seen in thyroid and ovarian cancers, as well as glioblastoma (GBM), so the investigation of the drug is now focused on those diseases, says Cohen.

A phase II trial that was recently completed showed a survival of 15 months in recurrent GBM with VB-111 compared to 8 months with bevacizumab (Avastin), the standard of care. A phase III registration trial for recurrent GBM will now take place comparing VB-111 with bevacizumab versus bevacizumab alone, according to Cohen.

In ovarian cancer, VB-111 is being investigated with paclitaxel. Thus far, encouraging data has been shown and the trial is moving forward, says Cohen.