Seattle Genetics Begins Phase I Clinical Trial of Antibody-Drug Conjugate SGN-75

SGN-75 is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting CD70 that utilizes the company's proprietary technology.

In a release, the Company noted:

"Our compelling preclinical data demonstrate that SGN-75 possesses potent antitumor activity in models of both CD70-positive renal cell carcinoma and hematologic malignancies," said Clay B. Siegall, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Seattle Genetics. "CD70 is expressed on a variety of solid tumors, including renal cell carcinoma, pancreatic, ovarian and lung cancers and glioblastoma as well as multiple myeloma and several types of lymphoma. This broad expression profile provides substantial and diverse therapeutic opportunities to address unmet needs for patients with these malignancies."

The single-agent phase I study is designed to enroll up to 80 patients at multiple centers in the United States. The trial will evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic profile and antitumor activity of SGN-75 in order to identify a dose and schedule for future clinical trials.

SGN-75 is an ADC comprising an anti-CD70 antibody attached to a potent, synthetic drug payload, monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF), using Seattle Genetics' proprietary technology. The ADC is designed to be stable in the bloodstream, but to release its payload upon internalization into CD70-expressing tumor cells, resulting in targeted cell-killing.

About Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma represents a diverse group of cancers that develop in the lymphatic system and are characterized by uncontrolled growth and accumulation of abnormal lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that are responsible for defending the body against infection. The most common forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are follicular and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 66,000 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are expected to be diagnosed in the United States during 2009 and approximately 19,500 patients will die from the disease.

About Renal Cell Carcinoma: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) forms in the kidney, which filters and cleans the blood. Metastatic RCC occurs when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. RCC is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults, representing approximately 90 percent of cases. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 57,700 new cases of kidney cancer in the United States during 2009, and about 13,000 people will die from the disease.

Seattle Genetics is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of monoclonal antibody-based therapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease.

((Comments on this story may be sent to health@closeupmedia.com))

For full details on Seattle Genetic (SGEN) SGEN. Seattle Genetic (SGEN) has Short Term PowerRatings at TradingMarkets. Details on Seattle Genetic (SGEN) Short Term PowerRatings is available at This Link.