ImmunoGen commences clinical testing with SAR566658 anticancer compound

ImmunoGen, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMGN), a biotechnology company that develops targeted antibody-based anticancer products, today announced the start of clinical testing with SAR566658. Eight compounds are now in the clinic through ImmunoGen's product programs and those of its partners, consistent with Company expectations of as many as 12 such compounds being in the clinic by late 2011 and marked, sustained pipeline growth thereafter.

“The development and advancement of this highly promising compound reflects the vision and successful collaboration of multiple parties”

SAR566658 is a potential treatment for many ovarian, breast, cervical, lung and pancreatic cancers. It was developed under a research collaboration between the Company and sanofi-aventis. SAR566658 utilizes ImmunoGen's Targeted Antibody Payload (TAP) technology with the CA6-binding antibody, huDS6, created by East Carolina University and humanized with ImmunoGen's proprietary resurfacing technology. Sanofi-aventis has begun clinical evaluation of SAR566658, triggering a $1 million milestone payment to ImmunoGen.

"The development and advancement of this highly promising compound reflects the vision and successful collaboration of multiple parties," commented John Lambert, PhD, Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of ImmunoGen.