GenVec Launches Phase IIb Trial in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

GenVec has announced the launch of a Phase IIb randomized, placebo-controlled trial of its BIOBYPASS angiogen for the treatment of severe coronary artery disease.

The NOVA (NOGA Delivery of VEGF for Angina) trial will evaluate the effects of BIOBYPASS on exercise tolerance, heart function, symptoms and quality of life in approximately 129 patients suffering from moderate to severe chest pain due to advanced coronary artery disease.

BIOBYPASS promotes production of GenVec's proprietary form of vascular endothelial growth factor to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in areas of the heart lacking sufficient blood flow. This condition, known as ischemia, triggers chest pain in patients with severe coronary artery disease.

In an earlier Phase II randomized, controlled, multicenter trial known as the REVASC study, BIOBYPASS was administered during surgery. The BIOBYPASS-treated group showed significant clinical benefit, including an increased ability to exercise.