Oxigene study: Combination therapy fights tumors better

Shares of Waltham-based Oxigene Inc. rose slightly today after the biopharmaceutical company said preclinical results being published in the journal Science show a combination drug process enhances anti-tumor activity.

The combination involves administering an antiangiogenic drug 24 hours before administering one of Oxigene's vascular disrupting agents. The first part is a drug that starves a tumor by cutting off its blood supply. The second also decreases blood flow to the tumor.

The study was conducted on mice.

"We believe the findings from this study are of enormous importance, and will drive the intelligent development of our VDAs going forward," said Dr. Richard Chinn, president and chief executive. (AP)