Summary: Genmab has announced that HuMax-EGFr (zalutumumab) inhibits epidermal
growth factor receptor signaling by locking epidermal growth factor receptor
(EGFr) molecules into a very compact, inactive conformation. The flexibility of
the EGFr is central to its role in signaling, and binding of HuMax-EGFr
(zalutumumab) results in effective inhibition of cancer cell growth.
Copenhagen, Denmark; April 15, 2008 - Genmab A/S (OMX: GEN) announced today new
insights showing that HuMax-EGFr(TM) (zalutumumab) locks epidermal growth factor
receptor (EGFr) molecules into a very compact, inactive conformation. The
flexibility of the EGFr is central to its role in signaling, and binding of
HuMax-EGFr (zalutumumab) results in effective inhibition of cancer cell growth.
As EGFr activity plays an important role in many cancers, targeting it with
HuMax-EGFr (zalutumumab) should make it especially difficult for cancer cells to
grow, multiply, and survive.
By using an electron microscope based technique, called protein tomography, the
structural rearrangement accompanying inhibition of individual EGFr molecules
was studied. Biochemical analyses showed that HuMax-EGFr binds bivalently to the
EGFr and, furthermore, was shown to prevent receptor dimerization and to
severely limit intermolecular flexibility of EGFr molecules.
“These new insights point out that HuMax-EGFr may employ at least three distinct
mechanisms of action leading to inhibition of cancer cell growth. HuMax-EGFr is
able to induce potent immune system defense activity known as ADCC, block growth
factor binding to EGF receptors, and we now established that HuMax-EGFr inhibits
EGFR activation by limiting receptor flexibility. This new data further
underlines the potential of HuMax-EGFr for treatment of solid cancers.” said
Lisa N. Drakeman, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.
These new findings will be published in the journal Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) in the edition
published on April 15, 2008.
About Genmab A/S
Genmab is a leading international biotechnology company focused on developing
fully human antibody therapeutics for unmet medical needs. Using cutting-edge
antibody technology, Genmab's world class discovery, development and
manufacturing 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);
HuMax-CD32b(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
Stock Exchange Release no. 15/2008
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