JW CreaGene, a subsidiary of JW Shinyak, said Thursday that it has started recruiting patients participating in phase 1/2 clinical trials for CreaVax-BC, a glioblastoma treatment.

CreaVax-BC is a therapy that induces Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte (CTL) by injecting glioblastoma-specific cancer antigen into dendritic cells, which causes immune responses in T-cells and natural killer cells. The treatment can block the recurrence of cancer by attacking brain tumor cells, including cancer stem cells.

The clinical trials come after the state-run Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) announced that it would provide the company with a 3 billion won ($2.74 million) grant for three years to test the new drug on Aug. 29.

The company plans to conduct the phase 1/2 clinical trials on 58 patients who have undergone glioblastoma surgery to prove the drug’s efficacy and safety. Six hospitals -- Severance Hospital, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Asan Medical Center, Korea University Anam Hospital, Cha Bundang Medical Center and Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital -- will participate in the clinical trials.

A previous clinical trial led by researchers showed an increase in the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival rate of glioblastoma patients treated with CreaVax-BC compared to the reported traditional survival rate. The company expects to confirm the prolonged survival rate and the suppression of the progression and recurrence of glioblastoma during the clinical trials.

“Glioblastoma is the most malignant disease among brain tumors," said Lee Kyung-joon, CEO of JW CreaGene. "It is important to obtain clinical evidence through smooth recruitment of patients involved in the clinical trials.”

The company will run the clinical trials as planned and contribute to prolonging the survival time of glioblastoma patients and improving their quality of life, Lee added.

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