SGN-40 update: Genentech & Seattle Genetics partnership

Genentech Inc. has invested in a partnership with Seattle Genetics Inc. to develop SGN-40, a monoclonal antibody in early clinical testing in hematologic cancers.

For Seattle Genetics, the partnership with Genentech marks its largest deal to date, and involves an exclusive, worldwide license for SGN-40, a product that has generated much interest since early data were presented at scientific meetings last year. The compound is designed to target the CD40 antigen, which is expressed on most B-cell malignancies, as well as on solid tumor types such as bladder, renal and ovarian cancers.

The companies will work together to develop SGN-40, which is Phase I and Phase II testing in multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.