* Apollon Inc., of Malvern, Pa., began a Phase I trial of a DNA-based vaccine against the herpes simplex virus. The vaccine containsgenetic material that supports production of a selected HSV proteincalled gD2 in the cells of patients, which is intended to stimulate animmune response characterized by production of antibodies and killerT cells.

* Alkermes Inc., of Cambridge, Mass., completed patient enrollmentin a Phase II trial of RMP-7 and the chemotherapy drug carboplatinadministered intra-arterially in patients with recurrent, malignantbrain tumor. The trial, designed to test safety and initial efficacy, isexpected to be completed by mid-year 1997. RMP-7 is a compounddesigned to increase the permeability of the blood-brain barrier.

(c) 1997 American Health Consultants. All rights reserved.