Wilder,
The patent is at the USPTO site. I was confused that it was a RPR patent, but then I found this in the IMCL 10K:
We are pursuing additional patent protection relating to the field of
EGF Receptor antibodies in the treatment of cancer that may limit the ability of
third parties to commercialize EGF Receptor antibodies for such use.
Specifically, we are pursuing patent protection for the use of EGF Receptor
antibodies in combination with chemotherapy to inhibit tumors or tumor growth.
We have exclusively licensed, from Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Pharmaceuticals, now
known as Aventis, patent applications seeking to cover the therapeutic use of
antibodies to the EGF Receptor in conjunction with chemotherapeutic agents. A
Canadian patent was issued in this family, the patent examiner in Europe has
indicated an intent to issue a European patent and a Notice of Allowance has
been issued in the United States. We have filed additional patent applications
based on our own research that would cover the use of IMC-C225 as well as other
EGF Receptor
Here's the first part of the patent:
United States Patent 6,217,866
Schlessinger , et al. April 17, 2001
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Monoclonal antibodies specific to human epidermal growth factor receptor and therapeutic methods employing same
Abstract
Hybridoma cell lines producing monoclonal antibodies specific to the human epidermal growth factor receptor are disclosed. The antibodies are capable of inhibiting the growth of human tumor cells expressing human epidermal growth factor receptors. Therapeutic uses of these monoclonal antibodies by themselves and in combination with anti-neoplastic agents are also disclosed.
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Inventors: Schlessinger; Joseph (New York, NY); Givol; David (Rehovot, IL); Bellot; Francoise (Fresnes, FR); Kris; Richard (Tucson, AZ); Ricca; George A. (Blue Bell, PA); Cheadle; Christopher (West Chester, PA); South; Victoria J. (Audubon, PA)
Assignee: Rhone-Poulenc Rorer International (Holdings), Inc. (Greenville, DE)
Appl. No.: 487761
Filed: June 7, 1995
<snip>
Claims
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What is claimed:
1. A method for inhibiting the growth of human tumor cells that express human EGF receptors and are mitogenically stimulated by EGF, the method comprising administering an effective amount of an anti-neoplastic agent and an effective amount of a monoclonal antibody to a human cancer patient having said tumor cells; (i) wherein said antibody binds to the extra-cellular domain of the human EGF receptor of said tumor cell; (ii) wherein the antibody is not conjugated to the anti-neoplastic agent; and (iii) wherein the antibody inhibit the binding of EGF to the EGF receptor.
It's a little weird that it specifically relates to a combo of an anti-neoplastic agent and Mab but excludes the conjugate. I assume there must have been prior art? At very first glance it doesn't cover the ABGX antibody itself, but seems to if the latter were to be used in conjunction with an anti-neoplastic agent.
Peter |
