Chiron Corporation and XOMA Ltd. have initiated Phase I clinical testing of CHIR-12.12, a fully human, antagonist antibody that targets the CD40 antigen. Treatment has begun in the first Phase I trial, for patients with advanced chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). CHIR-12.12 is the first drug candidate to enter clinical testing under the collaborative agreement between Chiron and XOMA for the development and commercialization of antibody products for the treatment of cancer.

"We are pleased to move forward with Phase I studies of CHIR-12.12 as part of Chiron's translational-medicine approach to early stage oncology drug development," Stephen Dilly, chief medical officer, Chiron BioPharmaceuticals said adding, "Based on compelling preclinical data, we believe that this unique compound and its dual mechanisms of action could prove effective in the treatment of a variety of B-cell malignancies."

The single-agent, open-label Phase I study of CHIR-12.12, a fully human, antagonist antibody that targets the CD40 antigen, is designed to evaluate the safety, dose tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of CHIR-12.12 in patients with advanced CLL. Translational medicine will be used to monitor biomarkers in real time.

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a form of slow-progressing leukaemia, a disease characterized by an accumulation of abnormal lymphocytes in the blood and bone marrow.