INCLONE/UCB TO DEVELOP/COMMERCIALIZE CDP-791.ImClone Systems Incorporated (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on : IMCL) and UCB have entered into a worldwide strategic partnership for the development and commercialization of CDP-791, a novel, investigational antibody targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important signaling protein involved in both vasculogenesis (the de novo formation of the embryonic circulatory system) and angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature). receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) that is currently being developed by UCB. VEGFR-2 is known to regulate the formation of blood vessels in tumors (angiogenesis), allowing cancer cells to receive nutrients and maintain growth. CDP-791 takes the novel approach of targeting and blocking VEGFR-2 on blood vessel cells with a PEGylated diFab antibody and thus interferes with the development of tumor vasculature vasculature /vas·cu·la·ture/ (vas´ku-lah-chur) 1. circulatory system. 2. any part of the circulatory system. vas·cu·la·ture n. . This mechanism has been shown to interfere with tumor vasculature in preclinical models. CDP-791 completed Phase I testing earlier in 2005 in patients with refractory solid tumors. The study comprised six ascending dose groups each given CDP-791 intravenously once every three weeks. The study results showed that CDP-791 was well tolerated and met its safety endpoint at all dose levels. No dose-limiting toxicity or signs of immunogenicity were detected. A randomized ran·dom·ize tr.v. ran·dom·ized, ran·dom·iz·ing, ran·dom·iz·es To make random in arrangement, especially in order to control the variables in an experiment. Phase II study in non-small cell lung cancer Lung Cancer, Non-Small Cell Definition Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a disease in which the cells of the lung tissues grow uncontrollably and form tumors. Description There are two kinds of lung cancers, primary and secondary. is scheduled to start in the coming weeks. "VEGF VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor. is an important and increasingly recognized pathway in the treatment of solid tumors," stated Daniel S. Lynch, CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of ImClone Systems. "Our partnership with UCB gives us the opportunity to collaborate on a product that significantly accelerates our anti-VEGFR-2 program and potential commercial entry into the anti-angiogenesis space at terms that are economically attractive to both partners. We look forward to working with UCB and to CDP-791's prospects for clinical and commercial success." Under terms of the agreement, UCB and ImClone Systems will share equally all agreed upon development costs for CDP-791 as well as worldwide profits derived from its commercialization in indications jointly pursued by the parties. ImClone Systems will also receive an incremental single-digit royalty on net worldwide sales for such labeled indications. ImClone Systems has exclusive commercialization rights to CDP-791 in North America, with UCB receiving such rights in Europe, Japan, and the rest of the world. "We are delighted to be collaborating with ImClone Systems on our exciting CDP-791 program. ImClone Systems' considerable expertise in VEGF biology combined with the antibody fragment expertise from UCB's Celltech Antibody Centre of Excellence will form a powerful partnership. Both of our companies share a commitment to improving the treatment and survival of cancer patients. This is an important milestone in the building of UCB's oncology franchise," stated Melanie Lee, executive vice president R & D for UCB. About UCB UCB (http:///www.ucb-group.com) is a global biopharmaceutical leader with headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, specializing in the fields of central nervous system disorders Nervous system disorders A satisfactory classification of diseases of the nervous system should include not only the type of reaction (congenital malformation, infection, trauma, neoplasm, vascular diseases, and degenerative, metabolic, toxic, or deficiency , allergy and respiratory diseases, immune and inflammatory disorders, as well as oncology. UCB key products are Keppra(R) (antiepileptic), Xyzal(R) and Zyrtec(R) (antiallergics), Nootropil(R) (cerebral function regulator), Tussionex(TM) (antitussive antitussive /an·ti·tus·sive/ (-tus´iv) effective against cough, or an agent with this quality. an·ti·tus·sive adj. Capable of relieving or suppressing coughing. ) and Metadate(TM) / Equasym XL(TM) (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder). UCB employs over 8,500 people operating in over 40 countries. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels with a market capitalization of approximately EUR EUR In currencies, this is the abbreviation for the Euro. Notes: The currency market, also known as the Foreign Exchange market, is the largest financial market in the world, with a daily average volume of over US $1 trillion. 5.8 billion. For more information, call 646/638-5058 or visit http://www.imclone.com. |
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