(RTTNews) - Fortress Biotech, Inc. (FBIO), a biopharmaceutical company, announced on Monday that the first patient has been dosed in its Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate the Triplex vaccine in reducing cytomegalovirus or CMV events in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or HSCT.
The study is a randomized, controlled trial that will assess whether vaccinating human leukocyte antigen or HLA matched stem cell donors with Triplex can reduce CMV reactivation in HSCT recipients.
This trial builds on encouraging results from earlier pilot studies, which suggested that vaccinating stem cell donors with Triplex could transfer protective CMV-specific T cell immunity to recipients.
The goal of the Phase 2 trial is to determine whether this preemptive vaccination strategy is safe and effective in preventing CMV complications, a common and serious issue for HSCT patients.
CMV reactivation occurs in a significant number of HSCT recipients, leading to potential complications. This trial could represent a novel approach to CMV management by potentially reducing the need for antiviral medications, which can hinder immune system recovery.
The trial is being funded by a grant from the National Cancer Institute or NCI and is taking place at leading transplant centers in the U.S., including City of Hope, Brigham & Women's Hospital, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Fortress Biotech believes this innovative approach could be a significant step toward improving the management of CMV in transplant patients.
Currently, FBIO is trading at $1.83 up by 0.82%.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
