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Genmab is currently preparing an improved commercially viable cell linefor HuMax-Inflam and hopes to start the next phase of clinical trials in 2008.
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"Genmab's development plans for HuMax-Inflam have been a closely guardedsecret for several years now and we are happy to announce the solution to themystery, which has been much anticipated by the investment community," saidLisa N. Drakeman, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab. "We believe thatHuMax-Inflam may have potential to treat patients with glioblastoma, whichhas a very low survival rate."
About HuMax-Inflam and IL-8
HuMax-Inflam is a high affinity fully human IgG1,k antibody directedtowards IL-8. IL-8 is a major mediator of inflammation, a potentchemoattractant for white blood cells called neutrophils, as well as animportant factor in angiogenesis. HuMax-Inflam effectively blocks binding ofIL-8 to neutrophils and inhibits neutrophils from migrating towards sites ofinflammation via a process known as chemotaxis. HuMax-Inflam also potentlyinhibits IL-8 induced neutrophil activation. In pre-clinical studies,HuMax-Inflam has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in tumor models usingprimary human tumors in immunodeficient mice.
Results from a Phase I/II study of HuMax-Inflam in patients withpalmoplantar pustulosis were reported by Genmab and Medarex in December 2004.Fifty-seven percent (16 of 28) of patients who completed the study achieved a50% or more reduction in disease activity at week 8. In a pooled analysis ofall dose groups after 8 weeks, a statistically significant reduction indisease activity of 56% was seen. In addition to effectively reducing diseaseactivity in study patients, HuMax-Inflam was also effective at inhibitingneutrophil chemotaxis in fluids sampled from patients and the concentrationof HuMax-Inflam in such fluids increased in parallel with higher treatmentdoses.
About Genmab A/S
Genmab is a leading international biotechnology company focused ondeveloping fully human antibody therapeutics for unmet medical needs. Usingunique, cutting-edge antibody technology, Genmab's world class discovery anddevelopment teams have created and developed an extensive pipeline ofproducts for potential treatment of a variety of diseases including cancerand autoimmune disorders. As Genmab advances towards a commercial future, weremain committed to our primary goal of improving the lives of patients whoare in urgent need of new treatment options. For more information on Genmab'sproducts and technology, visit http://www.genmab.com.
This press release contains forward looking statements. The words"believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend" and "plan" and similarexpressions identify forward looking statements. Actual results orperformance may differ materially from any future results or performanceexpressed or implied by such statements. The important factors that couldcause our actual results or performance to differ materially include, amongothers, risks associated with product discovery and development,uncertainties related to the outcome and conduct of clinical trials includingunforeseen safety issues, uncertainties related to product manufacturing, thelack of market acceptance of our produ
