Summary: Genmab has announced new insights into the novel mechanisms of action
of HuMax-EGFr (zalutumumab).
Copenhagen, Denmark; March 12, 2007 - Genmab A/S (CSE: GEN) announced today new
insights into the novel mechanisms of action of its antibody HuMax-EGFr(TM)
(zalutumumab). By using Protein Tomography(TM), a relatively new technology
which uses an electron microscope to view the three dimensional structure of
proteins on the surface of cells, HuMax-EGFr was shown to lock the EGF receptor
in an inactive conformation which prevents receptor activation and the binding
of growth factors. Furthermore, HuMax-EGFr was shown to inhibit EGF receptor
signaling by preventing receptor dimerization, the pairing of two receptor
molecules which starts the signaling cascade. All of these mechanisms have the
potential to interfere with cancer cell growth.
“Coupled with previous findings that HuMax-EGFr is able to induce potent ADCC
and block growth factor binding to EGF receptors, these studies have given us
greater insight into the novel way HuMax-EGFr works,” said Lisa N. Drakeman,
Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.
These data will be presented by Genmab and Sidec Technologies AB, at the 3rd
Novel Solution Seminar for Drug Creation and Development in Tokyo, Japan on
March 12 and in Osaka, Japan on March 14, 2007.
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 and Amgen. A broad alliance provides
Genmab with access to Medarex, Inc.'s array of proprietary technologies,
including the UltiMAb(R) platform for the rapid creation and development of
human antibodies to virtually any disease target. In addition, Genmab has
developed UniBody(TM), a new proprietary technology that creates a stable,
smaller antibody format. Genmab has operations in Europe and the US. For more
information about Genmab, visit 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-EGFr(TM);
HuMax-Inflam(TM); HuMax-CD20(TM); HuMax-TAC(TM); HuMax-HepC(TM), HuMax-CD38(TM);
HuMax-ZP3(TM); and UniBody(TM) are all trademarks of Genmab A/S.
UltiMAb(R) is a trademark of Medarex, Inc.
Contact: Helle Husted, Sr. Director, Investor Relations, T: +45 33 44 77 30, M:
+45 25 27 47 13, E: hth@genmab.com
Stock Exchange Release no. 10/2007
