Micromet and Nycomed initiate preclinical safety studies for inflammatory drug

Under a 2007 agreement between the two companies, Micromet and Nycomed develop MT203, a fully human anti-GM-CSF antibody that may be useful for the treatment of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Preclinical studies support MT203’s development for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and several other indications, including multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Jens Hennecke, Micromet’s vice president of business development, said: “The MT203 program is well on track and we are looking forward to advancing it into the clinic within a year.”