Genmab Announces Multiple Myeloma Antibody Program

Genmab announced today its new HuMax®-CD38 program for the treatment of multiple myeloma. HuMax-CD38 is a human IgG1,k antibody selected from a large panel of antibodies based on its ability to bind and to kill multiple myeloma tumor cells. The HuMax-CD38 antibody targets the CD38 molecule which is very highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma cells.

In preclinical studies, HuMax-CD38 was effective in killing primary multiple myeloma tumor cells and a range of tumor cell lines by triggering two immune system killing mechanisms: Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) and Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC). In animal models using sensitive bioluminescence imaging, treatment with HuMax-CD38 slowed tumor growth in both preventive and therapeutic settings in SCID mice. These are mice with a deficient immune system, in which human tumor cells can grow.