Genitope’s antibody program found effective against lymphoma

In these pre-clinical studies, two monoclonal antibodies in development depleted targeted B-cells, without significantly affecting the non-targeted B-cells. Results for both studies showed that the number of target B-cells bound by the studied monoclonal antibodies decreased in treated animals, while no significant change was detectable in control animals. In one study, six animals received eight intravenous infusions of Genitope’s monoclonal antibody; two naive control animals received infusions of placebo. In a second study evaluating a second monoclonal antibody from Genitope’s panel, 12 animals received four intravenous infusions at various doses; two naïve control animals received infusions of placebo.

Genitope is also developing its primary product candidate, MyVax personalized immunotherapy, which is currently in a pivotal, blinded, controlled Phase III clinical trial to evaluate its safety and efficacy in previously untreated patients with follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (fNHL). The treatment phase of this clinical trial has been completed and the protocol-defined follow-up period is scheduled to conclude by the end of 2007.

Dan Denney, Jr., CEO of Genitope, said: “We see an opportunity to combine the monoclonal antibody panel with our active personalized immunotherapy approach. By doing so, we have the potential to bring safer, effective medicines to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients.”