Summary: HuMax-EGFr may have the potential to treat a broad variety of cancers
that include those over-expressing both normal and mutated EGF receptors.
Copenhagen, Denmark; June 3, 2007 - Genmab A/S (CSE: GEN) announced today
pre-clinical data illustrating its fully human HuMax-EGFr(TM) (zalutumumab)
antibody may have broad potential to treat cancers that over-express several
types of EGFr (epidermal growth factor receptor).
Recently, mutations which appear to alter the signaling ability of EGFr have
been identified in tumors from lung cancer patients. Such mutations may be a
critical factor in the potential success of EGFr-directed treatments in lung
cancer.
In a novel cancer cell laboratory model, HuMax-EGFr effectively inhibited the
growth of tumor cells that express both mutated or normal EGF receptors. This
inhibition occurred through different mechanisms of action including direct
inhibition of cancer cell growth and an immune cell-mediated killing activity
known as antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC).
Genmab scientists also used the model to test the effects of tyrosine kinase
inhibitors (TKI) such as the marketed products Iressa and Tarceva on
EGFr-expressing tumor cells. Tumor cells expressing various mutated EGFr varied
strongly in their sensitivity to TKI therapy, whereas no differences in efficacy
where observed for HuMax-EGFr.
“This pre-clinical data indicates that HuMax-EGFr may have more potential in the
treatment of some types of cancer, such as lung cancer, than tyrosine kinase
inhibitors,” said Lisa N. Drakeman, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.
These data will be presented today in a poster session at the 43rd American
Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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. 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-CD20(R);
HuMax-EGFr(TM); HuMax-Inflam(TM); HuMax-TAC(TM); HuMax-HepC(TM); HuMax-CD38(TM);
HuMax-ZP3(TM); and UniBody(TM) are all trademarks of Genmab A/S.
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. 24/2007
