BERLIN, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Schering AG, Germany (NYSE: SHR - news; FSE: SCH), announced today that Campath® (alemtuzumab), a humanized monoclonal antibody, was successfully tested in a clinical trial for the treatment of T-PLL (T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia).
The new data strongly indicate that Campath® can be effective as first-line therapy for T-PLL, which would represent another step forward in Schering's strategy to strengthen its role in different indications in the field of hematological oncology.
Campath® was approved in the US and Europe (trade name in Europe: MabCampath(TM)) earlier this year and is currently available to patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), who have been treated with alkylating agents and have failed fludarabine therapy.
Campath® for B-CLL was developed by M&I Partners, a 50-50 joint venture of Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (Nasdaq: MLNM - news) and ILEX Oncology, Inc., (Nasdaq: ILXO - news), and Schering AG, Germany. In the US, Campath is marketed by Berlex Laboratories, a US subsidiary of Schering AG.
T-PLL is a rare, aggressive malignancy which confronts patients with a median survival time of seven months. Chemotherapy has a low success rate with 6-10% CR (Complete Remission). The majority (76 %) of patients who received Campath® responded to therapy with a 60% CR. By producing remissions in more than two thirds of patients, Campath® could be a very effective agent in the fight against T-PLL. The data were published by Dearden CE et al, Blood 2001; 98: 1721-6.
Campath® binds to CD52+, an antigen that is present on the surface of certain leukemic lymphocytes and highly expressed on T-PLL cells. It induces antibody-dependent lysis (killing) following binding. This results in the removal of the malignant lymphocytes from the blood, bone marrow, and other affected organs.
Schering AG is a research-based pharmaceutical company. Its activities are focused on four business areas: Fertility Control & Hormone Therapy, Diagnostics & Radiopharmaceuticals, Dermatology as well as Specialized Therapeutics for disabling diseases, e.g. multiple sclerosis, leukemia and solid tumors. As a global player with innovative products Schering AG aims for leading positions in specialized markets worldwide. With in-house R&D and supported by an excellent global network with external partners, Schering AG is securing a promising product pipeline. Using new ideas, Schering AG aims to make a recognized contribution to medical progress and strives to improve the quality of life.
An electronic version of this news release -- as well as additional information about Schering AG -- is available at www.schering.de/eng ... |
