Genmab A/S (OMX: GEN)
announced today a new pre-clinical antibody program called HuMax-CD32b(TM).
This fully human IgG1,k antibody targets the CD32b receptor found on immune
cells and hematological tumors. HuMax-CD32b may have therapeutic potential
in the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia, small lymphocytic
lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell
lymphoma.
The lead candidate for HuMax-CD32b was selected from a panel of over 60
antibodies based on its excellent selectivity and binding ability for the
CD32b target and potent triggering of the immune system killing mechanism
antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). The antibody was highly
effective in suppressing tumor growth in in vivo mouse tumor models in
which tumor growth was monitored by highly sensitive bioluminescence
imaging.
In animal models, HuMax-CD32b has been shown to induce impressive
anti-tumor responses. The CD32b receptor has an inhibitory role on immune
cells and blockade of CD32b has been documented to strongly potentiate the
therapeutic effects of other anti-tumor antibodies. An antibody targeting
CD32b may thus be attractive for combination therapy with other antibodies.
"We believe HuMax-CD32b has great potential as a cancer therapeutic,
both because of its impressive anti-tumor activity, and the potential for
combination with other therapeutic antibodies, such as antibodies directed
to CD20 or CD38." said Prof. Jan G. J. van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief
Scientific Officer at Genmab A/S.
About Genmab A/S
Genmab is a leading international biotechnology company focused on
developing fully human antibody therapeutics for unmet medical needs. Using
unique, cutting-edge antibody technology, Genmab's world class discovery
and development teams have created and developed an extensive pipeline of
products for potential treatment of a variety of diseases including cancer
and autoimmune disorders. As Genmab advances towards a commercial future,
we remain committed to our primary goal of improving the lives of patients
who are in urgent need of new treatment options. For more information on
Genmab's products and technology, visit genmab.
This press release contains forward looking statements. The words
"believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend" and "plan" and similar
expressions identify forward looking statements. Actual results or
performance may differ materially from any future results or performance
expressed or implied by such statements. The important factors that could
cause our actual results or performance to differ materially include, among
others, risks associated with product discovery and development,
uncertainties related to the outcome and conduct of clinical trials
including unforeseen safety issues, uncertainties related to product
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area and markets, our inability to attract and retain suitably qualified
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other factors. Genmab is not under an obligation to up-date statements
regarding the future following the publication of this release; nor to
confirm such statements in relation to actual results, unless this is
required by law.
Genmab(R); the Y-shaped Genmab logo(R); HuMax(R); HuMax-CD4(R);
HuMax-CD20(R); HuMax-EGFr(TM); HuMax-IL8(TM); HuMax-TAC(TM);
HuMax-HepC(TM); HuMax-CD38(TM); HuMax-CD32b(TM) and UniBody(R) are all
trademarks of Genmab A/S
Genmab A/S
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