ImmunoGen presents new data at cancer conference

ImmunoGen has presented Phase I findings for anticancer agent huC242-DM4 at the Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics International Conference in San Francisco.

The preclinical data is intended to support a Phase II evaluation in gastric cancer while additional information on the activation of tumour-activated prodrug (TAP) compounds inside tumours was also presented.

John M Lambert, senior vice president of pharmaceutical development at ImmunoGen, described how the findings reflected the variety of research being undertaken at the pharmaceutical company.

“We’re aggressively developing our wholly-owned compounds and are reporting additional Phase I findings with our huC242-DM4 anticancer agent, now in Phase II testing,” he maintained.

Mr Lambert went on to indicate that the preclinical studies were carried out to help determine the best “development pathway” for the compounds and their treatment in gastric cancer.

The study investigated the pharmacokinetics of huC242-DM4 in patients and attempted to establish its maximum tolerated dose (MTD).

Following three weeks of dosage for enrolled patients, the MTD of huC242-DM4 was established to be at 168mg/m2.

Last year, Sanofi-Aventis entered into an option agreement with ImmunoGen that allowed the company expanded access to ImmunoGen’s TAP technology.