Cytheris, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on research and development of new therapies for immune modulation, and the Cancer Immunotherapy Trials Network (CITN), a new initiative in immunotherapy funded by the National Cancer Institute with its Central Operations and Statistical Center (COSC) headquartered at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, has selected recombinant human interleukin-7 (CYT107), the investigational multifunctional cytokine under development by Cytheris, as one of the first immunotherapeutic agents proposed for initial clinical trials at network institutions.

"The selection of CYT107 for study in immunotherapy trials conducted by the outstanding investigators from CITN member sites is a clear recognition of the potential of this cytokine to play an important role in the development of new approaches to the treatment of various cancers," said Michel Morre, DVM, president and CEO of Cytheris.  "We share the desire of all participants in the CITN program that this important NCI-sponsored initiative will lead to significant therapeutic advances that will be of direct and lasting benefit to the large and growing population of cancer patients."