Crucell Announces Start of Phase II Clinical Study Rabies Monoclonal Antibody Combination in US

First Milestone Achieved in Collaboration Agreement with Sanofi Pasteur

03-Apr-2008

Crucell N.V. announced that its rabies monoclonal antibody combination has entered a Phase II clinical trial in the United States. At the beginning of the year, Crucell announced it had signed a collaboration and commercialization agreement with Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of sanofi-aventis Group, for Crucell's rabies monoclonal antibodies to be used in combination with sanofi pasteur rabies vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis against this fatal disease. The start of the Phase II study constitutes the first milestone in this agreement.

The clinical trial will be a randomized, single-blind, controlled study in 140 healthy volunteers that will test the antibody product in association with sanofi pasteur rabies vaccine and compare it to the currently marketed human rabies immune globulin or placebo, in association with rabies vaccine. The main parameters under investigation will be safety, tolerability and (rabies virus) neutralizing activity.

"We are very pleased with our continued and rapid progress with this next generation rabies treatment," said Ronald Brus, Crucell's Chief Executive Officer. "The swift development of this rabies monoclonal antibody product would be extremely valuable in reducing the global burden of this fatal disease."

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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