Seattle Genetics Presents Data On SGN-70, A Humanized Monoclonal Antibody Targeting CD70

Main Category: Arthritis / Rheumatology
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 29 Oct 2008 - 6:00 PDT

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Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGEN) today presented preclinical data on SGN-70 at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco, California. SGN-70 is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD70 that is in development as a novel therapy for autoimmune diseases. Seattle Genetics is currently conducting a phase I trial to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of SGN-70 in healthy volunteers.

"CD70 is an ideal target for antibody-based therapy because it is expressed on activated lymphocytes and dendritic cells, but is absent on those cells when in a resting state," said Jonathan Drachman, Vice President, Early Clinical Development at Seattle Genetics. "By selectively targeting activated immune cells, SGN-70 may provide a new therapeutic option for autoimmune disease that avoids globally suppressing the patient's immune system."

Seattle Genetics presented data demonstrating that CD70 is upregulated on circulating lymphocytes and in tissues from patients with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Crohn's disease. Preclinical data demonstrate that SGN-70 blocks the interaction between CD70 and its receptor, CD27, and selectively depletes activated CD70-positive lymphocytes. In addition, data were presented showing that treatment with an anti-murine CD70 monoclonal antibody reduces disease severity in mouse models of lupus and arthritis. These preclinical findings, in combination with data from the ongoing phase I trial, will serve as the foundation for potential future clinical trials in patients with autoimmune disease.

CD70 is also expressed on several types of cancer, including multiple myeloma, lymphoma, renal cell cancer, glioblastoma and other solid tumors. In addition to SGN-70, Seattle Genetics is advancing SGN-75, an antibody-drug conjugate targeting CD70, for the treatment of cancer. An investigational new drug (IND) filing for SGN-75 is planned in 2009.

About Seattle Genetics

Seattle Genetics is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of monoclonal antibody-based therapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease. The company has four product candidates in ongoing clinical trials: dacetuzumab (SGN-40), lintuzumab (SGN-33), SGN-35 and SGN-70. Dacetuzumab is being developed under a worldwide collaboration with Genentech. In addition, the company has developed proprietary antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology comprising highly potent synthetic drugs and stable linkers for attaching the drugs to monoclonal antibodies. Seattle Genetics has collaborations for its ADC technology with a number of leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including Genentech, Bayer, CuraGen, Progenics, Daiichi Sankyo and MedImmune, a subsidiary of AstraZeneca, as well as an ADC co-development agreement with Agensys, a subsidiary of Astellas Pharma. More information can be found at www.seattlegenetics.com

Certain of the statements made in this press release are forward looking, such as those, among others, relating to the therapeutic potential of SGN-70. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected or implied in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include risks related to adverse clinical results as SGN-70 advances in clinical trials and risks inherent in early stage development of biotechnology products. More information about the risks and uncertainties faced by Seattle Genetics is contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Seattle Genetics disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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