arGEN-X advances third therapeutic antibody program into preclinical development

10-Feb-2012 - Netherlands

arGEN-X announced that it has progressed ARGX-111, its third therapeutic candidate, into formal preclinical development.

ARGX-111 is a novel, fully human antibody specific for c-Met, a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis. c-Met is widely implicated in multiple cancers, including non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), gastric, prostate and brain tumors. ARGX-111 has been shown in several preclinical models to outperform clinical-stage anti-c-Met antibodies in terms of potency and efficacy.

ARGX-111 was selected from a panel of more than 60 antagonistic anti-c-Met antibodies generated from the SIMPLE Antibody™ platform, several of which have specificity for previously unknown epitopes on c-Met. ARGX-111 exhibits the unique ability to block both ligand-dependent and independent receptor activation, while avoiding agonistic activity. In addition, the antibody demonstrates potent cytotoxic effects against c-Met over-expressing tumor cells.

Next to its ultra-high potency, ARGX-111 has other important characteristics that make it a very attractive development candidate. ARGX-111 has a fully human sequence and structure, and expression and stability studies indicate that it can be manufactured at consistently high quality and yield.

arGEN-X anticipates filing an IND application for ARGX-111 in 2013.

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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