MedImmune to Acquire Cellective Therapeutics, Inc.
MedImmune, Inc. announced that it has expanded its pipeline of potential drug candidates by signing a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Cellective Therapeutics, Inc. The transaction provides MedImmune with three preclinical stage programs developing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that target the B-cell antigens CD19, CD20 and CD22. These antigens are believed to play important roles in regulating the immune system.
Under the terms of the agreement, MedImmune will acquire all outstanding equity interests of Cellective in a cash transaction, which is expected to close by the end of October 2005, subject to necessary government approval. MedImmune will also provide Cellective shareholders with future payments for the company's three preclinical antibody programs should certain product development and sales milestones be achieved.
CD19, CD20 and CD22 are B-cell lineage-specific molecules involved in immune regulation. Preclinical studies indicate that antibodies targeting these antigens may block B-cell activities that are associated with many tumors and autoimmune diseases, including multiple myeloma, B-cell lymphomas, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Early research on the potential therapeutic benefits of blocking these molecules has been conducted by Thomas F. Tedder, Ph.D., chairman of the Department of Immunology at Duke University Medical Center and leading authority in B-cell biology.
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Topic world Antibodies
Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous
Topic world Antibodies
Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous