Genmab A/S (OMX: GEN)
announced that three ofatumumab (HuMax-CD20(R)) abstracts have been
accepted for presentation at the 50th American Society of Hematology Annual
Meeting and Exposition (ASH) December 6-9, 2008. Updated interim efficacy
data from the pivotal study evaluating ofatumumab to treat two groups of
chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients with an unmet medical need will
be presented in an oral session. Headline interim data from the study was
announced in July 2008.
In addition, two abstracts on pre-clinical ofatumumab data have been
accepted for presentation at poster sessions. All three ofatumumab
abstracts are available on the ASH website at hematology.
ASH Sessions
Oral Presentation December 8 at 11:45AM PST - Ofatumumab (HuMax-CD20),
a Novel CD20 Monoclonal Antibody, Is An Active Treatment for Patients with
CLL Refractory to Both Fludarabine and Alemtuzumab or Bulky
Fludarabine-Refractory Disease: Results from the Planned Interim Analysis
of An International Pivotal Trial.
Poster I-682 - Complement (C) Activation Followed by Penetration of the
Membrane Attack Complex (MAC) on B Cells Opsonized with CD20 Mabs Allows
for Calcium Influx Which Induces Streamers.
Poster I-683 - Binding of Submaximal C1q to B Cells Opsonized with
Anti-CD20 Mabs Ofatumumab (OFA) or Rituximab (RTX) Promotes Complement
Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC), and Considerably Higher Levels of CDC Are
Induced by OFA Than by RTX.
Ofatumumab is an investigational, new generation, human monoclonal
antibody that targets a distinct membrane proximal, small loop epitope
(specific binding site) of the CD20 molecule on the surface of B-cells.
Ofatumumab is being developed to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia,
follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma,
rheumatoid arthritis and relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis under a
co-development and commercialization agreement between Genmab and
GlaxoSmithKline. It is not yet approved for sale in any country.
About Genmab A/S
Genmab is a leading international biotechnology company focused on
developing fully human antibody therapeutics for the potential treatment of
cancer. Genmab's world class discovery, development and manufacturing teams
are using cutting-edge technology to create and develop products to address
unmet medical needs. Our primary goal is to improve the lives of patients
who are in urgent need of new treatment options. For more information on
Genmab's products and technology, visit genmab.
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