Genmab to begin testing multiple myeloma drug

HuMax-CD38 is a human IgG1,k antibody selected from a large panel of antibodies based on its ability to bind and to kill multiple myeloma tumor cells. The HuMax-CD38 antibody targets the CD38 molecule which is very highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells.

In preclinical studies, HuMax-CD38 was effective in killing primary multiple myeloma tumor cells and a range of tumor cell lines by triggering two immune system killing mechanisms: Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) and Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC). In animal models using sensitive bioluminescence imaging, treatment with HuMax-CD38 slowed tumor growth in both preventive and therapeutic settings in SCID mice. These are mice with a deficient immune system, in which human tumor cells can grow.

“HuMax-CD38 is unusually effective in killing multiple myeloma tumor cells and cell lines in preclinical studies,” said Dr Lisa Drakeman, CEO of Genmab. “With the addition of this antibody to our preclinical pipeline, we enter an important field of cancer treatment for which there is an unmet medical need.”

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells and accounts for approximately 1% of all cancers. In the US, approximately 11,000 deaths each year are related to multiple myeloma. At present, no cure is available, and the mean survival is approximately three years from time of diagnosis.