April 5, 2001--ImClone Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq: IMCL - news) announced today that the Company has received U.S. Patent No. 6,217,866 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office covering the therapeutic combination of anti-Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies and anti-neoplastic agents, such as chemotherapeutic agents, for use in the treatment of cancer. IMC-C225, an investigational monoclonal antibody, is designed to target and block the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), which is expressed on the surface of cancer cells.
The patent covers a composition of matter of any EGFR monoclonal antibody that inhibits the binding of EGF to its receptor, in combination with any anti-neoplastic agent, as well as the therapeutic use of such combinations.
``Combination therapy has become the gold standard in the treatment of patients with cancer,'' stated Samuel D. Waksal, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of ImClone Systems Incorporated. ``This patent will protect ImClone Systems from commercialization by competitive programs of any anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies for use with chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer.''... |
