Genmab A/S (CSE: GEN) announced that HuMax-CD38 was shown to inhibit the enzymatic activity of the CD38 molecule in preclinical studies. HuMax-CD38 is the first antibody known to block the ectoenzymatic activity of CD38. This special property may contribute to the effectiveness of
HuMax-CD38 in killing both primary multiple myeloma and plasma cell leukemia cells.
HuMax-CD38 is a fully human antibody that targets the CD38 molecule which is highly
expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma tumor cells. In previous preclinical
studies, HuMax-CD38 was more effective in triggering the immune system killing
mechanisms Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) and Complement
Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC), than other human CD38 antibodies when tested on
multiple myeloma tumors. HuMax-CD38 also potently killed tumor cells from a patient
with a CD38/138 positive plasma cell leukemia which was refractory to chemotherapy at
the time of analysis. Furthermore, treatment with HuMax-CD38 slowed tumor growth in
both preventive and therapeutic settings in SCID mice in animal models.
Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells and accounts for approximately 1% of all
cancers. The incidence of multiple myeloma is 5.2 per 100,000 people corresponding to
15,270 new cases in the US in 2004. In the US, approximately 11,000 deaths each year
are related to multiple myeloma. At present, no cure is available, and the mean survival
is approximately 3 years from time of diagnosis.
"We are pleased with the unique qualities of HuMax-CD38, which continues to show
promising results in preclinical studies," said Lisa N. Drakeman, Ph.D., Chief Executive
Officer of Genmab.
These data will be presented by Dr. Paul Parren, Vice President, Research and
Technology of Genmab on June 10 at The CD38 Ectoenzyme Family: Advances in Basic
Science and Clinical Practice conference in Torino, Italy.
About Genmab A/S
Genmab A/S is a biotechnology company that creates and develops human antibodies for
the treatment of life-threatening and debilitating diseases. Genmab has numerous
products in development to treat cancer, infectious disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other
inflammatory conditions, and intends to continue assembling a broad portfolio of new
therapeutic products. At present, Genmab has multiple partnerships to gain access to
disease targets and develop novel human antibodies including agreements with Roche,
Amgen and Serono. A broad alliance provides Genmab with access to Medarex, Inc.'s
array of proprietary technologies, including the UltiMAbŪ platform for the rapid creation
and development of human antibodies to virtually any disease target. Genmab has
operations in Copenhagen, Denmark, Utrecht, the Netherlands, Princeton, New Jersey in
the US and Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom.
For more information about Genmab,
visit www.genmab.