Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) and Nektar Therapeutics announced a collaboration in which BMS’ PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor (Opdivo, nivolumab) will be combined with Nektar;s CD-122 agonist NKTR-214. Continue reading
Category Archives: Antibodies & Conjugates
Photo-immunotherapy approaches for cancer
The NCI (National Cancer Institute) highlighted two photo-immunotherapy (PIT) approaches that employ antibodies conjugated to phthalocyanine dye IRDye 700DX (IR700). Continue reading
Celgene Acquires EngMab for BCMA Program
Celgene acquired EngMab for $600MM to enrich its programs targeting B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Celgene is exploiting BCMA in both CAR T (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell) and bispecific antibodies targeting CD-3 (Cluster of differentiation 3), Continue reading
Leap’s Two Early-Stage Immuno-Oncology Antibodies
Leap Therapeutics, an immuno-oncology company, recently reversed merge with Macrocure to become a publicly traded company, and received an investment of $10MM from current investors in order to advance two antibodies – DKN-01, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) protein on cancer cells, and TRX518, a humanized GITR agonist that augments T-cell responses against tumors. Continue reading
Blocking CD47 Innate Checkpoint Control for Cancer Treatment
Several companies, including Trillium, Celgene, Tioma, and Forty Seven are developing products that block CD47 for the treatment of cancer. Researchers have also shown that attacking CD47 may be a better approach to bone marrow conditioning prior bone marrow transplant. Continue reading
Surprising Efficacy of Darzalex is not Solely Due to Anti-CD38 Activity on Myeloma Cells
We have previously reviewed anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody Darzalex (daratumumab) in multiple myeloma. Daratumumab targets CD38-expressing myeloma cells through a variety of immune-mediated mechanisms (complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis) and direct apoptosis with cross-linking of receptors. Continue reading
Gastric Cancer Monoclonal Antibody Against Specific Target Shows Promise in Phase 2b Study
In a phase II randomized trial, adding IMAB362 to standard chemotherapy increased progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) by about 50% compared with the standard treatment alone. Continue reading
Olaratumab Receives Priority Review for Soft Tissue Sarcoma
The platelet derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα) monoclonal antibody, olaratumab (IMS-3G3) by Eli Lilly, received Priority Review from the FDA on the strength of data from its Phase II trial in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS). The drug already received Orphan Drug, Breakthrough Therapy, and Fast Track designations from the agency. Continue reading
Exploiting the Tumor Microenvironment – Threshold, Bioatla, Pfizer
Two companies announced news last week regarding their efforts to treat cancer by administering treatments that become activated by physiological conditions specific to the tumor microenvironment. Threshold Pharmaceuticals announced data from Phase III clinical trials of evophosphamide (TH-302), and BioAtla announced an antibody development deal with Pfizer. Continue reading
CD40 Antibody for Immunotherapy of Cancer Licensed by Janssen from Alligator
Janssen Biotech acquired a worldwide license to Alligator Bioscience’s Phase I immunotherapy ADC-1013, an agonistic monoclonal antibody that targets CD40, an immuno-stimulatory receptor found on antigen-presenting cells, which can spur an increase in T cells attacking a tumor. Continue reading