ImmunoGen commences IMGN529 Phase I trial in NHL

ImmunoGen, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMGN), a biotechnology company that develops anticancer therapeutics using its antibody expertise and Targeted Antibody Payload (TAP) technology, today announced the start of clinical testing with its IMGN529 product candidate. The Phase I trial initiated evaluates the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic profile and anticancer activity of escalating doses of IMGN529 in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) to establish the dose for future clinical trials.    

Today NHL is frequently treated with the anticancer antibody, rituximab (Rituxan®), and/or with chemotherapy. The novel agent IMGN529, a TAP compound, contains a B-cell-targeting antibody that has demonstrated marked anticancer activity in preclinical testing.¹ Attached to this antibody is a potent ImmunoGen cell-killing agent, DM1. The antibody serves: (1) to kill the cancer cells through multiple antibody-mediated mechanisms; and (2) to deliver the DM1 specifically to the cancer cells for additional, targeted anticancer potency.

"The Phase I trial now underway, together with our market research, is expected to provide the information needed to define a clear development path for IMGN529 in NHL," commented James O'Leary, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. "With its unique profile, we believe IMGN529 has the potential to be an important new therapy for the treatment of key B-cell malignancies."