Hope for Non-Hodgkin's sufferers
Seattle Genetics, from Bothall, WA, has initiated a phase I clinical trial of SGN-40 in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Seattle Genetics, from Bothall, WA, has initiated a phase I clinical trial of SGN-40 in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
This is the company's second clinical indication for SGN-40, a humanised monoclonal antibody that targets CD40. Seattle Genetics is also conducting a phase I study of SGN-40 in multiple myeloma.
'We believe SGN-40 may offer an important therapeutic option for patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,' said Dr Michael McDonald, chief medical officer of Seattle Genetics. 'Although patients with B-cell malignancies often respond to initial treatments, many later relapse or become resistant to continued therapy. SGN-40 offers a novel, targeted approach and significant promise for these individuals.'
The single-agent, open label, dose escalation study of SGN-40 in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is designed to evaluate the tolerability, pharmacokinetic profile and antitumor activity of a multi-dose regimen of SGN-40. Seattle Genetics plans to enroll approximately 20 patients in the study at multiple cancer centres in the United States.
About Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) represents a diverse group of cancers that develop in the lymphatic system. When lymphocytes, or white blood cells, which are responsible for defending the body against infection, divide and multiply uncontrollably, malignant tumuors can form. NHL is the sixth most common cancer in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 54,000 people will be diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the country in 2004 and approximately 19,000 will die from the disease