Ventana and MedImmune collaborate to develop immunohistochemistry assay

10-Jun-2014 - USA

Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. and MedImmune announced they are jointly developing a PD-L1 (SP263) immunohistochemistry assay to enroll patients in clinical trials for MedImmune's MEDI4736 anti-PD-L1 therapy for non-small cell lung carcinoma. This includes the recently commenced MEDI4736 ATLANTIC trial that will enroll only patients who express PD-L1 as determined by the VENTANA assay.

MEDI4736 is an investigational, engineered, human monoclonal antibody directed against programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1).   Signals from PD-L1 help tumors avoid detection by the immune system.   It is believed that by targeting PD-L1, MEDI4736 may block this ligand from sending out signals to T-cells to 'ignore' tumor cells, thereby countering cancer's immune-evading tactics.  

The PD-L1 Investigational Use Only (IUO) assay in development that is supporting MEDI4736 clinical trials- is based on a SP263 (Spring Bioscience) rabbit monoclonal antibody.  

The PD-L1 (SP263) assay has been validated for use on the VENTANA BenchMark series of advanced staining instruments deployed globally. Testing for MedImmune's trials is being performed at the Ventana companion diagnostics (CDx) CAP/CLIA laboratory in Tucson, AZ, and select testing sites.

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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

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