03 Jul 2007 -
Genmab A/S announced it has regained all rights to the HuMax-CD4® (zanolimumab) antibody from Merck Serono S.A. Genmab plans to continue moving development of HuMax-CD4 forward in the existing non-cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma clinical programs and expand development into earlier stage patients in combination with PUVA as well as other combinations with approved therapies for CTCL.
In addition, Genmab is making plans to develop a UniBody(TM) targeting the CD4 receptor. HuMax-CD4 binds the CD4 molecule with very high affinity and effectively blocked and neutralized infection of a broad panel of HIV-1 viruses isolated from infected individuals. Laboratory studies in an immunodeficient (SCID) mouse model, where animals were reconstituted with human blood cells, showed HuMax-CD4 to effectively block HIV-1 replication and reduce depletion of CD4+ T-cells by the virus. A UniBody targeting CD4 represents a promising drug candidate that may prevent or slow HIV-1 infection and AIDS and spare T-cells.
Worldwide rights to HuMax-CD4 were previously licensed to Merck Serono S.A. in August 2005. Regaining rights to HuMax-CD4 will not influence Genmab's financial guidance for 2007.
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