Genmab Announces HuMax CD32b Pre Clinical Program

Main Category: Lymphoma / Leukemia
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials;  Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 05 Jan 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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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 http://www.genmab.com.

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 manufacturing, the lack of market acceptance of our products, our inability to manage growth, the competitive environment in relation to our business area and markets, our inability to attract and retain suitably qualified personnel, the unenforceability or lack of protection of our patents and proprietary rights, our relationships with affiliated entities, changes and developments in technology which may render our products obsolete, and 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
http://www.genmab.com