Antisoma, the UK-based biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of novel anti-cancer drugs, and EMD Lexigen Research Center, the US-based biotechnology company, announced that they have co-developed a novel cancer therapy based on the application of Lexigen's immunocytokine technology and using Antisoma's antibody huBC1 and the anti-tumour cytokine IL12. The companies describe this approach as ATTACK (Anti-tumour Therapy with Targeting Antibodies and CytoKines).

EMD Lexigen and Antisoma have created an immunocytokine fusion protein incorporating huBC1 and IL12. This protein has been shown to have anti-tumour effects in animal models of several different cancers. Work from the companies' collaboration is being submitted for detailed presentation at forthcoming scientific congresses.

IL12, when given alone, is known to have potent effects on tumours. Early-phase safety trials provided evidence of IL12 activity against renal cell carcinomas and melanomas. However, intravenous administration of IL12 has been associated with severe and often treatment-limiting side effects. Combining IL12 with a cancer-targeting antibody is a potential way to harness its anti-tumour properties while minimising side effects, as a targeted therapy can be given at lower doses and could act more specifically on tumours. The huBC1 antibody targets oncofoetal fibronectin, a molecule associated with new tumour blood vessels. This antibody therefore provides a vehicle with the potential to deliver IL12 specifically to tumours.

Glyn Edwards, CEO of Antisoma, said, "We are delighted to be collaborating with a partner of Lexigen's calibre, and are now working with them to identify the best way to move the promising new ATTACK approach rapidly into clinical trials."

Stephen Gillies, president of EMD Lexigen and global head of oncology research for Merck Kgaa, said, "Immunocytokine technology lends itself to many approaches through different combinations of antibodies and cytokines. We are excited to work with the novel targeting concept of Antisoma to create an innovative approach to cancer therapy."