Fourth Genmab/Roche Ab enters clinic in USA

Danish drugmaker Genmab AS says that an Investigational New Drug application for an antibody developed under its collaboration with Roche has been filed with the US Food and Drug Administration. The Swiss drug major and its majority-owned US firm Genentech are collaborating on development of the antibody, which selectively blocks the interaction of the OX40 ligand and its receptor and is being evaluated for the treatment of asthma. The resulting milestone from Roche does not influence Genmab's financial guidance for 2007, the firm noted.

In preclinical data published in a recent article and commentary in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, treatment with the human OX40L-blocking antibody led to significant therapeutic effects in a non-human primate model of allergic inflammation. The mechanisms of action of the agent include blockade of OX40L binding to its receptor, and depletion of cells expressing OX40L, which was shown to depend on interaction of immune effector cells with the therapeutic antibody. The observed in vivo efficacy of the OX40L-specific antibody may also involve restoration of peripheral tolerance mechanisms, noted the Danish firm.

Under the terms of its deal with Roche, Genmab utilizes its broad antibody expertise and development capabilities to create human antibodies to a wide range of disease targets identified by the Swiss company. Genmab receives milestone and royalty payments based on successful products. In certain circumstances, the firm says it may obtain rights to develop products based on disease targets identified by Roche.