GAITHERSBURG, Md., Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- MedImmune today announced that
it has advanced three oncology antibody programs into Phase 1 clinical
development within the past six months. All three of the antibody candidates
will target a variety of advanced solid tumors, but via different pathways.
"Cancer research has long been a priority focus area at MedImmune and we
are proud of the organization's hard work to achieve
first-time-in-human-status for all three candidates," said Laurence Moore,
M.D., Ph.D., vice president, clinical development, oncology. "We look forward
to continuing to evaluate how managing the various biological targets inherent
in these very different antibodies may potentially lead to better health
outcomes for patients suffering from a myriad of cancers."
-- MEDI-573: is a fully human antibody that selectively binds to
insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) I and II and inhibits IGF I and II
mediated signal transduction in tumor cells; thus this antibody could
potentially inhibit tumor growth.
-- MEDI-575: is a fully human antibody targeting the platelet-derived
growth factor-receptor (PDGF receptor) subunit, which is thought to play an
important role in human cancers, both as a direct target on tumor
cells and as a mediator of stromal support for cancer cell growth.
The interaction between stromal cells and tumor cells is known to play
a major role in cancer growth and progression; therefore, blocking
PDGF alpha with an effective antibody could potentially reduce the
growth and metastases of solid tumors.
-- MEDI-547, an antibody-drug conjugate, is a fully human monoclonal
antibody designed to target the over expression of the EphA2 protein
linked to a potent drug payload. Cumulative evidence suggests a
correlation between EphA2 over-expression and clinical features of
aggressive cancer. MEDI-547 is a result of MedImmune scientists
utilizing technology licensed from Seattle Genetics.
About MedImmune
MedImmune, the worldwide biologics business for AstraZeneca PLC (LSE:
AZN.L, NYSE: AZN), has approximately 3,100 employees worldwide and is
headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. With an advancing pipeline of
promising candidates, we aim to be the next revolutionary force in
biotechnology by delivering life-changing products, industry-leading
performance, and a tireless commitment to improving patient health. For more
information, visit MedImmune's website at www.medimmune.com.