Genmab A/S announced that HuMax-CD38 was shown to inhibit the enzymatic activity of the CD38 molecule in preclinical studies. HuMax-CD38 is the first antibody known to block the ecto-enzymatic activity of CD38. This special property may contribute to the effectiveness of HuMax-CD38 in killing both primary multiple myeloma and plasma cell leukaemia cells.

HuMax-CD38 is a fully human antibody that targets the CD38 molecule which is highly expressed on the surface of multiple myeloma tumour cells. In previous preclinical studies, HuMax-CD38 was more effective in triggering the immune system killing mechanisms Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) and Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC), than other human CD38 antibodies when tested on multiple myeloma tumours. HuMax-CD38 also potently killed tumour cells from a patient with a CD38/138 positive plasma cell leukaemia which was refractory to chemotherapy at the time of analysis. Furthermore, treatment with HuMax-CD38 slowed tumour growth in both preventive and therapeutic settings in SCID mice in animal models.

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells and accounts for approximately 1 per cent of all cancers. The incidence of multiple myeloma is 5.2 per 100,000 people corresponding to 15,270 new cases in the US in 2004. In the US, approximately 11,000 deaths each year are related to multiple myeloma. At present, no cure is available, and the mean survival is approximately 3 years from time of diagnosis.

"We are pleased with the unique qualities of HuMax-CD38, which continues to show promising results in preclinical studies," said Lisa N. Drakeman, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Genmab.

These data will be presented by Dr. Paul Parren, Vice President, Research and Technology of Genmab on June 10 at The CD38 Ectoenzyme Family: Advances in Basic Science and Clinical Practice conference in Torino, Italy.