Dynavax Initiates First Human Trial in Lupus Program

Dynavax Technologies Corporation DVAX announced today the start of dosing in the first human clinical trial in its lupus program. Initiation of this trial entitles Dynavax to receive a $6 million milestone payment from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), its partner in a worldwide strategic alliance. GSK has an exclusive option to obtain a license to the program. Dynavax's Phase 1 study will assess the safety of DV1179, an inhibitor of TLR7 and TLR9, in multiple ascending doses. A total of 24 healthy subjects, divided into three dose groups, will each receive four weekly injections of DV1179. Data from this study is expected later this year. Following successful completion of the trial, Dynavax expects to initiate a proof-of-mechanism study in lupus patients.