Morphotek announced that FDA has cleared its investigational new drug (IND) application to study MORAb-004, for the treatment of patients with solid tumors. MORAb-004 targets endosialin, a protein expressed on cells associated with tumors and tumor blood vessel cells.
MORAb-004, which targets the growth of endosialin-expressing cells in tumor blood vessels, will be used to treat patients with solid tumors. Treatment with MORAb-004 offers an alternative means to suppress tumor angiogenesis and growth.
Martin Phillips, Chief Medical Officer, Morphotek, said: The mechanism of action of MORAb-004, the concept of disturbing the tumor environment, is novel in cancer therapy.
We are pleased to be carrying out the Phase I study with one of the world’s leading health care institutions to focus on treating solid tumors and continue clinical development of this potential new treatment, he added.