Applied Molecular Evolution Inc (AME) has achieved two separate milestones as a result of the initiation of Phase II clinical trials for Vitaxin in both cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitaxin is a monoclonal antibody that MedImmune, Inc. is studying in Phase II trials for anti-tumor and safety activity in metastatic melanoma and for disease activity and structural joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis. Financial terms of the milestones were not disclosed.

"Vitaxin is the most clinically advanced biotherapeutic candidate optimized by AME, and the development of Vitaxin underscores the value of optimization with our proprietary AMEsystem directed evolution technology," commented William D. Huse, President, CEO and Chairman of AME. "The initiation of Phase II trials for Vitaxin in multiple indications also reflects the expansion of AME's collaborative product pipeline. We look forward to the continued progress of both our collaborative and internal development product candidates."

Vitaxin is an AME optimized monoclonal antibody being developed by MedImmune for various indications in both cancer and inflammatory disease. It targets the alpha-v-beta-3 integrin, which is a protein expressed on the surface of newly forming blood vessels and certain tumor types, as well as on a number of cell types, including macrophages and osteoclasts. As such, alpha-v-beta-3 is implicated in a number of disease processes, including the growth and metastasis of tumors, as well as in the damage done to bone in rheumatoid arthritis.