Techniclone, Partner Begin Oncolym Study

Tustin biotech company Techniclone Corp. and Berlex Laboratories Inc. said Monday that they have begun the first phase of their study of Oncolym, a Techniclone drug to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The companies said in a press release that the study will determine the highest tolerated single dose of Oncolym to maximize the product’s therapeutic potential.

The study is designed to treat as many as 18 patients, with provision to treat more if necessary. If the initial study is successful, Berlex will start a study of 100 patients.

Berlex, a U.S. unit of German-based Schering AG, is responsible for all clinical development and for marketing and commercialization of Oncolym, while Techniclone retains the manufacturing rights.

Techniclone has said it would issue about $3 million in common stock to Schering to cover projected expenses of the clinical trials.

Shares of Techniclone fell 28 cents a share Monday to close at $3 in Nasdaq trading.