[ anti-CD40L ]
Nothing new. I was at the Idec website, so here's a cut 'n paste, even if it is old news......
Product Candidate: IDEC-131
(Anti-gp 39)
IDEC is focused on developing improved treatments
for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as
psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and immune
thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), both on its own and
with a trio of corporate partners. Autoimmune
disease is the underlying cause of numerous
serious, chronic illnesses.
IDEC-131 targets the CD40 ligand on T cells, which interact with
antibody-producing B cells. By regulating the interaction between T and B
cells, IDEC-131 may reduce excessive antibody production and may help
restore a more normal immune response in patients with a variety of
autoimmune-related conditions.
IDEC and its collaborator Eisai Co. Ltd. are initially developing IDEC-131
as a potential treatment for ITP.
Clinical Trial Update
In late January 2001 IDEC initiated a multi-center, pilot Phase II clinical
trial with its investigational agent, IDEC-131, a humanized anti-CD154
(anti-CD40L) monoclonal antibody. The multiple-dose study will evaluate
the potential clinical activity and safety of this investigational agent in
patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, a T-cell mediated disease.
"Previous clinical studies have demonstrated an encouraging safety
profile for IDEC-131," said Mark Totoritis, M.D., senior director,
autoimmmune and inflammatory diseases. "We believe that IDEC-131
may be a potentially beneficial therapeutic agent for a number of diseases
and this study represents one of multiple investigations we intend to
pursue in various indications."
In early January IDEC intiated a Phase II trial. The multiple-center,
multiple-dose study will evaluate the potential clinical activity and safety
of this investigational agent in patients with chronic, refractory immune
thromobocytopenic purpura (ITP), a blood disorder characterized by low
platelet counts which can pose a significant risk of life-threatening
bleeding. |
