XBiotech, an Austin, Texas-based developer of next generation therapeutic antibodies, has launched a web site and call center to help patients with metastatic colorectal cancer learn about its U.S. pivotal phase III clinical trial. The phase III study, Xilonix Colorectal cancer Immunotherapy Treatment Evaluation (XCITE), assesses XBiotech's True Human monoclonal antibody (Xilonix) for the treatment of metastatic colon cancer.

The web site, www.xcitecolontrial.com, provides the locations for all open sites, a pre-screening questionnaire to help individuals determine if they are eligible for the trial and a call center to answer questions about the trial and site locations.

Total enrollment is expected to consist of 600 patients. The primary objective of the XCITE trial is to assess the ability of Xilonix to improve overall survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who have failed standard therapies. Xilonix contains an anti-inflammatory antibody, which is being tested for its ability to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis by interrupting crucial signals that are necessary for the spread of cancer. In addition, Xilonix may help to improve fatigue, muscle loss and anxiety caused from tumor related inflammation.