HuMax CD32b Reaches Pre-Clinical Testing for CLL, Other Cancers

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Genmab Announces HuMax CD32b Pre Clinical Program

Main Category: Lymphoma / Leukemia News

Article Date: 05 Jan 2008 - 0:00 PST

Genmab A/S (OMX: GEN) announced today a new pre-clinical antibody

program called HuMax-CD32b. 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.

http://www.genmab.com