• Intercell AG, of Vienna, Austria, reported data from a Phase II trial showing its Vaccine Enhancement Patch system in avian H5N1 influenza failed to show a statistically significant difference in seroprotection rates, as measured by hemagglutinin inhibition assay, when comparing groups with and without VEP. Results, however, demonstrated a good safety profile for all doses of injectable vaccine and adjuvant patches studied, and Intercell said it intends to conduct further clinical evaluation using VEP in combination with an injectable H5N1 vaccine to be supplied by London-based GlaxoSmithKline plc as part of the companies' 2009 agreement. Intercell is working under a contract with the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a dose-sparing approach with potential for single-dose immunization against pandemic influenza.

• Roche AG, of Basel, Switzerland, reported that a second Phase III trial of Avastin (bevacizumab) and chemotherapy followed by the continued use of Avastin alone increased progression-free survival in women with previously untreated ovarian cancer. The study, designated ICON7, involved 1,528 women with newly diagnosed disease who had already had surgery. They were randomized to receive either chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel) for six cycles or Avastin in combination with chemotherapy for six cycles followed by Avastin alone, for a total of 18 cycles, up to 12 months. Full data will be presented at an upcoming scientific meeting. A previous Phase III study testing Avastin in untreated advanced ovarian cancer also met its endpoint of progression-free survival.