MedImmune today announced that it has advanced three oncology antibody programs into Phase 1 clinical development within the past six months

GAITHERSBURG, MD, USA | August 10, 2009 | MedImmune today announced that it has advanced three oncology antibody programs into Phase 1 clinical development within the past six months. All three of the antibody candidates will target a variety of advanced solid tumors, but via different pathways.

"Cancer research has long been a priority focus area at MedImmune and we are proud of the organization’s hard work to achieve first-time-in-human-status for all three candidates," said Laurence Moore, M.D., Ph.D., vice president, clinical development, oncology. "We look forward to continuing to evaluate how managing the various biological targets inherent in these very different antibodies may potentially lead to better health outcomes for patients suffering from a myriad of cancers."

— MEDI-573: is a fully human antibody that selectively binds to insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) I and II and inhibits IGF I and II mediated signal transduction in tumor cells; thus this antibody could potentially inhibit tumor growth.

— MEDI-575: is a fully human antibody targeting the platelet-derived growth factor-receptor (PDGF receptor) subunit, which is thought to play an important role in human cancers, both as a direct target on tumor cells and as a mediator of stromal support for cancer cell growth. The interaction between stromal cells and tumor cells is known to play a major role in cancer growth and progression; therefore, blocking PDGF alpha with an effective antibody could potentially reduce the growth and metastases of solid tumors.

— MEDI-547, an antibody-drug conjugate, is a fully human monoclonal antibody designed to target the over expression of the EphA2 protein linked to a potent drug payload. Cumulative evidence suggests a correlation between EphA2 over-expression and clinical features of aggressive cancer. MEDI-547 is a result of MedImmune scientists utilizing technology licensed from Seattle Genetics.

About MedImmune

MedImmune, the worldwide biologics business for AstraZeneca PLC (LSE: AZN.L, NYSE: AZN), has approximately 3,100 employees worldwide and is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. With an advancing pipeline of promising candidates, we aim to be the next revolutionary force in biotechnology by delivering life-changing products, industry-leading performance, and a tireless commitment to improving patient health. For more information, visit MedImmune’s website at www.medimmune.com.

SOURCE: MedImmune