ImmunoGen announces start of IMGN853 Phase I trial for ovarian cancer, other solid tumors

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 IMGN853 product candidate. The Phase I trial initiated evaluates the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and anticancer activity of this TAP compound in patients with ovarian cancer or other solid tumors that over-express FOLR1 (also known as folate receptor alpha), including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Once the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of IMGN853 is established, the activity of the compound will be evaluated in disease-specific patient cohorts.    

"This trial is expected to provide key information needed to define the registration path for IMGN853," commented James O'Leary, MD, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer. "The study protocol allows for the use of single-patient cohorts for evaluation of the lower dose levels, which should accelerate the pace of advancement to higher doses and to the trial's expansion phase. In the expansion phase, IMGN853 will be evaluated as a treatment for specific types of FOLR1-overexpressing tumors. These findings should enable us to make decisions needed to advance IMGN853 into later-stage clinical testing."