Trifunctional antibody Removab from Fresenius Biotech awarded Galenus von Pergamon Prize for drug innovation

29-Oct-2010 - Germany

The trifunctional antibody Removab® (Catumaxomab) from Fresenius Biotech was awarded this year’s Galenus von Pergamon Prize in the “Specialist Care” category. The jury acknowledged Removab®’s new therapeutic mechanism and medical relevance for the treatment of malignant ascites. The Galenus von Pergamon Prize awarded by “Springer Medizin Ärzte Zeitung” honors research and innovative drug development in Germany. An independent jury awards the prize annually in the “Primary Care” category and in the “Specialist Care” category.

Dr. Christian Schetter, CEO of Fresenius Biotech: “Winning the Galenus von Pergamon Prize is a significant recognition of our work. The trifunctional antibody Removab® offers not only a new approach to cancer treatment, it also significantly improves our patients’ quality of life. We are currently preparing studies to investigate the antibody’s effectiveness in the treatment of other indications as well as for intravenous administration.”

Removab®, with its trifunctional mode of action, represents the first of a new generation of antibodies. Removab® binds to three different cell types simultaneously: One arm of the antibody binds to the EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) antigen in carcinoma cells, another arm binds to the CD3 molecule of T cells, and the third binds to the intact Fc region of accessory immune effector cells (such as macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells and natural killer cells). This simultaneous binding subsequently results in the mutual stimulation and activation of T cells and accessory cells, enabling the generation of a stronger immune response and destruction of cancer cells that are the main cause of ascites.

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous