Seattle Genetics Expands SGN-40 Clinical Program into Non-
2004-12-02 09:01 (New York)
Hodgkin's Lymphoma
BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 2, 2004
Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:SGEN) announced today
that it has initiated a phase I clinical trial of SGN-40 in patients
with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This is the company's second clinical
indication for SGN-40, a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets
CD40. Seattle Genetics is also conducting a phase I study of SGN-40 in
multiple myeloma.
"We believe SGN-40 may offer an important therapeutic option for
patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma," stated Dr. Michael
McDonald, Chief Medical Officer of Seattle Genetics. "Although
patients with B-cell malignancies often respond to initial treatments,
many later relapse or become resistant to continued therapy. SGN-40
offers a novel, targeted approach and significant promise for these
individuals."
The single-agent, open label, dose escalation study of SGN-40 in
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is designed to evaluate the tolerability,
pharmacokinetic profile and antitumor activity of a multi-dose regimen
of SGN-40. Seattle Genetics plans to enroll approximately 20 patients
in the study at multiple cancer centers in the United States.
Seattle Genetics will report preliminary data from its ongoing
study of SGN-40 in multiple myeloma at the American Society of
Hematology (ASH) annual meeting in December 2004. The company
previously reported data at the 2003 ASH annual meeting demonstrating
that SGN-40 has direct antitumor activity at well-tolerated doses in
preclinical models of hematological malignancies. Seattle Genetics is
also considering potential applications of SGN-40 in other indications
such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, certain solid tumors and
immunologic disease.
About Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) represents a diverse group of cancers
that develop in the lymphatic system. When lymphocytes, or white blood
cells, which are responsible for defending the body against infection,
divide and multiply uncontrollably, malignant tumors can form. NHL is
the sixth most common cancer in the United States. The American Cancer
Society estimates that more than 54,000 people will be diagnosed with
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the United States in 2004 and approximately
19,000 will die from the disease.
About Seattle Genetics
Seattle Genetics discovers and develops monoclonal antibody-based
therapeutics to treat cancer and other human diseases. The company has
built a diverse portfolio of product candidates targeted to many types
of cancer, including three being tested in multiple ongoing clinical
trials, SGN-30, SGN-15 and SGN-40, and three in preclinical
development, SGN-35, SGN-75 and SGN-17/19. The product candidates
encompass three platform technologies: genetically engineered
monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and
antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT). Seattle Genetics has
developed leading ADC technology comprised of highly potent synthetic
drugs and stable linkers for attaching the drugs to monoclonal
antibodies. The company currently has license agreements for its ADC
technology with Genentech, Celltech Group, Protein Design Labs,
CuraGen and Bayer Pharmaceuticals and for its ADEPT technology with
Genencor International. More information about Seattle Genetics can be
found at www.seattlegenetics.com. |
