CHIR-12.12, a fully human, antagonist antibody that targets the CD40 antigen, is the first drug candidate to enter clinical testing under the collaborative agreement between Chiron and Xoma, for the development and commercialization of antibody products for the treatment of cancer.
The single-agent, open-label phase I study of CHIR-12.12 is designed to evaluate the safety, dose tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of CHIR-12.12 in patients with advanced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It is expected to enroll up to 40 patients at three leading cancer centers in the US.
“We are pleased to move forward with phase I studies of CHIR-12.12 as part of Chiron’s translational-medicine approach to early stage oncology drug development,” said Dr Stephen Dilly, chief medical officer, Chiron BioPharmaceuticals. “Based on compelling preclinical data, we believe that this unique compound and its dual mechanisms of action could prove effective in the treatment of a variety of B-cell malignancies.”
Chiron and Xoma also plan to initiate clinical testing of CHIR-12.12 in patients with multiple myeloma this year.