Algeta initiates new oncology research program to evaluate the potential of a Targeted Thorium Conjugate (TTC) based on Immunomedics' anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody
CD22 is a well-validated target for hematological cancers
Oslo, Norway, 28 January 2013 - Algeta ASA (OSE: ALGETA) has initiated a new
research program to evaluate a novel Targeted Thorium Conjugate (TTC) that
combines Algeta's proprietary thorium-227 alpha-pharmaceutical payload with an
anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody (epratuzumab) developed by Immunomedics, Inc.
(NASDAQ: IMMU).
Epratuzumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds to the CD22
glycoprotein on the surface of B cells. Epratuzumab has been evaluated for the
treatment of a variety of hematological cancers and for autoimmune diseases such
as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Under the terms of this agreement, Immunomedics will provide clinical-grade
antibody to Algeta, which has rights to evaluate the potential of a TTC, linking
thorium-227 to epratuzumab, for the treatment of cancer. Algeta will fund all
preclinical and clinical development costs up to the end of phase I testing.
Upon successful completion of phase I testing, the parties shall negotiate terms
for a license at Algeta's request according to certain parameters now agreed
between the companies. Payments in the first year from Algeta to Immunomedics
include a signature fee, an antibody delivery milestone and payments for cGMP
antibody manufacture. No further details of the agreement are disclosed.
Thomas Ramdahl, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Algeta,
said: "The broad utility of our proprietary thorium-227 payload and its
potential to be more effective at killing cancer cells than other therapeutic
payloads gives Algeta a great opportunity to build an extensive pipeline of
targeted cancer therapies. This collaboration brings together Algeta, the global
leader in alpha-pharmaceuticals and Immunomedics, a pioneer in antibody products
and technologies. A TTC based on a well-validated antibody such as epratuzumab
is an exciting prospect as we work to achieve our goal of generating a clinical
candidate from the TTC platform in 2014".
Algeta's TTC strategy is based on gaining access to carefully selected tumor-
targeting molecules, via in-licensing, collaboration or via third parties, to
which it links thorium-227 thereby creating potential new therapeutics. Algeta's
disclosed TTC programs include collaborations with Sanofi and Ablynx, programs
based on HER2-targeting (breast/ovarian cancer) and PDGFR-beta-targeting (anti-
angiogenesis) molecules in-licensed from Affibody and two programs targeting
hematological cancers, including this newly announced program.
About Algeta's TTC Platform
Algeta is evaluating the potential utility of alpha-particle emitting elements
in the treatment of cancer. Previous studies[1] have indicated that such
elements may have value in treating cancers by causing double-strand DNA breaks
that trigger cell death, and have also shown that the effects of alpha-emission
are highly localized as a result of the very short range of the alpha particle
(2-10 cell diameters). Thorium-227 is one alpha-particle emitting element
(radionuclide) that has been selected by Algeta for further investigation. By
linking thorium-227 to cancer-targeting molecules such as monoclonal antibodies,
Algeta believes it may be possible to develop a pipeline of targeted alpha-
pharmaceuticals, termed Targeted Thorium Conjugates, or TTCs. The TTC platform
is at an early research phase in development. Algeta intends to evaluate TTCs in
a broad range of cancer types to determine whether the TTC platform could offer
advantages over naked (un-armed) antibodies or antibody-drug conjugate
technologies that use cytotoxic drugs (rather than alpha-emitting elements) as
payloads. Such advantages may include increased potency, a more localized
tumoricidal effect and the potential to address drug resistance by virtue of the
physical action of the alpha particles.
For more information about Algeta's technology, please visit www.algeta.com.
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For further information, please contact:
Mike Booth +47 2202 4510
Communications & Corporate Affairs ir@algeta.com
Media enquiries:
Mark Swallow +44 207 638 9571
Citigate Dewe Rogerson mark.swallow@citigatedr.co.uk
Knut Ekern +47 22 04 82 00
Gambit Hill & Knowlton knut.ekern@hkstrategies.com
Kari Watson +1 781 235 3060
MacDougall Biomedical Communications kwatson@macbiocom.com
US investor enquiries:
Tricia Swanson +1 646 378 2953
The Trout Group tswanson@troutgroup.com
About Algeta
Algeta is a company focused on developing novel targeted therapies for patients
with cancer based on its alpha-pharmaceutical platform. The Company is
headquartered in Oslo, Norway, and has a US subsidiary, Algeta US, LLC, based in
Cambridge, MA performing commercial marketing operations in the US. Algeta is
listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (Ticker: ALGETA). For more information please
visit www.algeta.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based on
uncertainty, as they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will
occur in the future and which, by their nature, may have an impact on results of
operations and the financial condition of Algeta. Such forward-looking
statements reflect our current views and are based on the information currently
available to Algeta. Algeta cannot give any assurance as to whether such forward
looking statements will prove to be correct. These forward looking statements
include statements regarding future development activities generally and our TTC
program in particular. Â There are a number of factors that could cause actual
results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by
these forward-looking statements. These factors include, among other things,
risks or uncertainties associated with the success of future clinical trials,
collaborations with other companies in the development of targeting molecules,
general economic and business conditions and difficulties of obtaining relevant
governmental approvals for new products, and the other risks and uncertainties
described in our annual report.
[1]Â Hall (1994) Radiobiology for the Radiologist (Lippincott, Philadelphia)
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section
5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
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