ImmunoGen, Inc. Achieves Milestone in Tumor Antibody Collaboration with Genentech

Trastuzumab-DM1 IND Becomes Effective

02-Feb-2006

ImmunoGen, Inc. announced that the Company has been informed by Genentech that the trastuzumab-DM1 Investigational New Drug (IND) application submitted by Genentech to the U.S. food and Drug Administration (FDA) has become effective. This event triggers a $2 million milestone payment to ImmunoGen. Trastuzumab-DM1 comprises ImmunoGen's cell-killing agent, DM1, linked to Genentech's therapeutic antibody, trastuzumab, which targets overexpression of the HER2 protein.

HER2 overexpression is associated with approximately 20 percent of all breast cancers. In 2000, Genentech entered into an agreement with ImmunoGen for an exclusive license to use ImmunoGen's maytansinoid TAP technology with therapeutic antibodies to HER2, including trastuzumab. This agreement entitles ImmunoGen to receive milestone payments upon achievement of the events defined in that agreement, and also to receive royalties on the sales of any products that use ImmunoGen's maytansinoid TAP technology. Genentech is responsible for product development, manufacturing, and commercialization.

ImmunoGen's TAP technology uses tumor-targeting antibodies to deliver a potent, cell-killing agent specifically to cancer cells. The Company has created potent cytotoxic agents, such as its maytansinoid derivative DM1, expressly for antibody-directed delivery to cancer cells. ImmunoGen also has established a portfolio of linkers - used for attachment of its cell-killing agents to antibodies - to enable additional refinement of product design.

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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