Summary: Genmab announces encouraging HuMax-IL8 pre-clinical data.
Copenhagen, Denmark; November 16, 2007 - Genmab A/S (OMX: GEN) announced today
encouraging pre-clinical data on its HuMax-IL8(TM) antibody (formerly known as
HuMax-Inflam). Pre-clinical studies characterized the exact HuMax-IL8 binding
site on IL8, which overlaps with the docking site for the IL8 receptor, CXCR1.
HuMax-IL8 was found to effectively block formation of new blood vessels induced
by IL8 in an animal model. The antibody was also shown to affect tumor
vascularization in different primary human tumors grown in immunocompromised
mice. The antibody, furthermore, effectively suppressed tumor growth of primary
sarcoma, melanoma and gastric tumors in immunocompromised mouse models.
“These pre-clinical data illustrate that HuMax-IL8 effectively blocks
IL8-induced formation of new blood vessels and affects tumor vascularization,
both of which may well play a role in the potent anti-tumor effects induced by
this antibody,” said Prof. Jan G. J. van de Winkel, Ph.D, Genmab's Chief
Scientific Officer.
Prof. van de Winkel will present these data today at the European Society for
Medical Oncology International Symposium on Immunology in Athens, Greece.
About HuMax-IL8
HuMax-IL8 is a high affinity fully human IgG1,k antibody directed towards IL-8.
IL-8 is a major mediator of inflammation, a potent chemoattractant for white
blood cells called neutrophils, as well as an important factor in angiogenesis.
HuMax-IL8 effectively blocks binding of IL-8 to neutrophils and inhibits
neutrophils from migrating towards sites of inflammation via a process known as
chemotaxis. HuMax-IL8 also potently inhibits IL-8 induced neutrophil
activation. In pre-clinical studies, HuMax-IL8 has been shown to inhibit tumor
growth in tumor models using primary human tumors in immunodeficient mice.
About Genmab A/S
Genmab is a leading international biotechnology company focused on developing
fully human antibody therapeutics for unmet medical needs. Using unique,
cutting-edge antibody technology, Genmab's world class discovery and development
teams have created and developed an extensive pipeline of products for potential
treatment of a variety of diseases including cancer and autoimmune disorders.
As Genmab advances towards a commercial future, we remain committed to our
primary goal of improving the lives of patients who are in urgent need of new
treatment options. For more information on Genmab's products and technology,
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-IL8(TM); HuMax-TAC(TM); HuMax-HepC(TM); HuMax-CD38(TM);
and UniBody(R) 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
Investor News No. 14/2007
###
