GENMAB’S HUMAX-CD20 CANCER ANTIBODY SHOWS PROMISING RESULTS IN PRIMATE STUDY
HuMax-CD20 depleted B-cells, the target in non-Hodgkins lymphoma, for longer than rituximab
Summary: Genmab’s HuMax-CD20 antibody effective in depleting B-cells, the target for treating non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, in primate study.
Copenhagen, Denmark; June 26, 2003 – Genmab A/S (CSE: GEN) announced today that HuMax-CD20 was effective in depleting B-cells, the target for treating non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, in both blood and lymph nodes in a pre-clinical primate study. Furthermore, in a study up to 92 days, HuMax-CD20 depleted these B-cells for a period of time that was four times longer compared to the effect from rituximab, a marketed anti-cancer treatment against the same target.
No adverse effects were observed during the study.
HuMax-CD20 is currently undergoing manufacturing development in preparation for clinical trials.
Professor Jan van de Winkel, Chief Scientific Officer of Genmab, will present the HuMax-CD20 data at the 20th International Conference on Advances in the Application of Monoclonal Antibodies in Clinical Oncology in Latchi Cyprus held between June 30-July 2, 2003.
About the study
Cynomolgus monkeys were treated with a total of four doses of HuMax-CD20 or rituximab of 5mg/kg, 25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg given over four consecutive days. The animals have been observed over a 92 day period.
“The HuMax-CD20 animal data is extremely positive and emphasizes the potential of this product to help cancer patients,” said Lisa N. Drakeman, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab. “We look forward to being able to start clinical trials with HuMax-CD20.”
Background
About HuMax-CD20
HuMax-CD20 is a human IgG1 kappa antibody which is effective at binding to the disease target, and releases only very slowly from the target over time. In February 2003, Genmab presented data from pre-clinical laboratory tests showing HuMax-CD20 appeared to kill tumor cells that were resistant to rituximab. The data showed the antibody was highly effective in inducing complement mediated cytotoxicity (cell destruction) of B-cell tumors. Subsequently Genmab has collected data that appears to show Humax-CD20 is also effective in inducing Natural Killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity of B-cell tumors.
About CD20
The CD20 antigen is a transmembrance protein on pre-B and mature B lymphocytes. CD20 appears to act as a calcium ion channel, and to regulate early steps in B lymphocyte activation. The molecule is not shed from the cell surface, and is not internalized upon antibody binding. CD20 is found on over 90 percent of B-cell lymphomas, as well as other lymphoid tumors of B-cell origin. |
