With aim to develop new cancer treatments, Genmab A/S started a preclinical programme called HuMax-CD32b. This fully human IgG1,k antibody targets the CD32b receptor found on immune cells and haematological tumours.

HuMax-CD32b may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

The lead candidate for HuMax-CD32b was selected from a panel of over 60 antibodies based on its excellent selectivity and binding ability for the CD32b target and potent triggering of the immune system killing mechanism antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). The antibody was highly effective in suppressing tumour growth in in-vivo mouse tumour models in which tumour growth was monitored by highly sensitive bioluminescence imaging.

In animal models, HuMax-CD32b has been shown to induce impressive anti-tumour responses. The CD32b receptor has an inhibitory role on immune cells and blockade of CD32b has been documented to strongly potentiate the therapeutic effects of other anti-tumour antibodies. An antibody targeting CD32b may thus be attractive for combination therapy with other antibodies.

"We believe HuMax-CD32b has great potential as a cancer therapeutic, both because of its impressive anti-tumour activity, and the potential for combination with other therapeutic antibodies, such as antibodies directed to CD20 or CD38." said Prof. Jan G. J. van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Genmab A/S.