HuMax-Inflam
From WikiCover
HuMax-Inflam is a high affinity fully human IgG1,k antibody directed towards IL-8. IL-8 is a major mediator of inflammation, a potent chemoattractant for white blood cells called neutrophils, as well as an important factor in angiogenesis. HuMax-Inflam effectively blocks binding of IL-8 to neutrophils and inhibits neutrophils from migrating towards sites of inflammation via a process known as chemotaxis. HuMax-Inflam also potently inhibits IL-8 induced neutrophil activation. In pre-clinical studies, HuMax-Inflam has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in tumor models using primary human tumors in immunodeficient mice.
On September 13, 2007, Genmab announced its fully human HuMax-Inflam antibody is directed to IL-8 (interleukin-8) and may have potential application in oncology and inflammation. Genmab will initially focus on studies to treat glioblastoma, a cancer of the central nervous system. Other possible indications include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pustular dermatoses. In pre-clinical studies, HuMax-Inflam has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in tumor models using primary human tumors in immunodeficient mice. HuMax-Inflam was also effective in reducing disease activity in palmoplantar pustulosis patients in a clinical study.
Results from a Phase I/II study of HuMax-Inflam in patients with palmoplantar pustulosis were reported by Genmab and Medarex in December 2004. Fifty-seven percent (16 of 28) of patients who completed the study achieved a 50% or more reduction in disease activity at week 8. In a pooled analysis of all dose groups after 8 weeks, a statistically significant reduction in disease activity of 56% was seen. In addition to effectively reducing disease activity in study patients, HuMax-Inflam was also effective at inhibiting neutrophil chemotaxis in fluids sampled from patients and the concentration of HuMax-Inflam in such fluids increased in parallel with higher treatment doses.
Genmab is currently preparing an improved commercially viable cell line for HuMax-Inflam and hopes to start the next phase of clinical trials in 2008.