Pharmaceutical Business review

Affitech’s pancreatic cancer drug successful in pre-clinical study

The R3 antibody, generated by Affitech and tested by Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, has been designed by the two companies for selective blocking of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) binding to VEGF receptor 2, as opposed to other anti-angiogenic agents which block activity of both VEGF receptors.

The antibody showed a significant reduction of the growth, vascularization and macrophage infiltration of pancreatic tumors in mice, the company said. Peregrine added that the positive results of R3 antibody support the company’s intent to progress its anti-VEGF program towards clinical trials.

Martin Welschof, CEO of Affitech, said: “We are delighted with this in vivo result. Affitech and Peregrine have several collaborative antibody projects. The quality of the antibody and excellent collaborative research by the scientists of our two organizations are contributing to advancing Peregrine’s anti-VEGF portfolio.”