Positive outlook seen for Agennix' talactoferrin in cancer and sepsis treatment, but firm needs to raise funds, say analysts

German drug developer Agennix is developing talactoferrin, a recombinant version of the human milk protein, lactoferrin, for the treatment of cancer and sepsis. These are potentially large indications with a high unmet medical need, and analysts at Edison Investment Research forecast that it could generate revenues of $2.5 billion if Phase III trials demonstrate the level of efficacy shown in Phase II trials. However, they say, in the short term, Agennix does need to raise between 60 million euros ($80.4 million) and 70 million euros.

Two chances of being a successful oncology product

Talactoferrin is being developed for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC; third-line therapy, followed by first-line treatment), and then for renal cancer. It has delivered promising results in Phase II trials, including reducing the side-effects of chemotherapy. Thus it could become a successful product either for its anti-tumor effects or for the alleviation of adverse events. The first Phase III trial is expected to report top-line data by the end of 2011.