Biodesix cancels leukemia therapy study as coronavirus takes clinical focus

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BOULDER and CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts — Biodesix Inc. and AVEO Oncology Inc. (Nasdaq: AVEO) halted a Phase II trial of leukemia drug ficlatuzumab on Friday as clinical sites reposition for COVID-19 related treatment and vaccine research.

The study was due to begin at the end of January but had yet to enroll any of the estimated 60 participants. The Boulder-based Biodesix is producing a companion test for use in determining if the drug would be best suited for specific patients.

Biodesix spent up to $15 million to fund a pre-clinical study for the drug in 2014.

In a joint statement, the companies said they still view ficlatuzumab as a promising treatment for leukemia, but it would be unlikely for the study to conclude before the shelf-life of the drug’s current batch expires.

“While this is a difficult decision, as we remain optimistic about the potential of ficlatuzumab in (acute myeloid leukemia), we believe it is necessary in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on the states where the CyFi-2 study was to take place,” AVEO CEO Michael Bailey said in a prepared statement.

Biodesix pivoted to novel coronavirus testing last week in a partnership with Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc. (NYSE: BIO). The joint project could make up to 1,000 tests per day at full scale and report results within 72 hours. The test could become available as soon as next month depending on approval from federal drug regulators.

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