Schering-Plough Halts Enrollment in 2 Tests

Schering-Plough Corp. said that it has stopped enrollment in two gene therapy studies at the request of the Food and Drug Administration, after a patient in an unrelated test died. The Madison, N.J.-based drug maker halted enrollment in tests in which researchers administer gene therapy by injection into the main artery to the liver. A patient died in a University of Pennsylvania study that used the same method of administration, Schering-Plough said. The Madison, N.J.-based company’s research involves the p53 gene. The subject of much research, the p53 gene may help keep cell growth in check. Cancer occurs when cells lose this ability. The Pennsylvania trial didn’t involve the p53 gene or cancer treatment, Schering-Plough said. The company said it would continue to provide treatment to patients enrolled in the study. Schering-Plough rose 31 cents to close at $50.13 on the NYSE.