Genentech to award $3 million milestone payment to Curis

SAN FRANCISCO Curis will receive a $3 million cash payment from its partner Genentech as it starts a midstage study on a potential colon cancer drug, according to the Associated Press.

The companies partnered in 2003 to develop targeted cancer treatments. The phase II clinical trial on GDC-0449 will involve 150 patients receiving either a combination treatment with the drug candidate or with a placebo.

The main goal of the study is to improve the survival rate for patients without the cancer progressing.