Affibody to publish data on therapeutic effects of Affibody molecules in a cancer model

19-Mar-2007

Affibody AB announced that a scientific article will occur in the March 15 issue of Cancer Research, describing the successful application of Affibody® molecules as targeted therapeutics. The potential therapeutic product is a fusion protein between an Affibody® molecule targeting the breast cancer antigen HER2 and a serum albumin-binding moiety, armed with the radioactive isotope lutetium-177. The radioactivity is taken to the tumor cells due to the specific binding of the Affibody® molecule, thereby minimizing damage on surrounding tissue. The proprietary albumin-binding technology is a key factor for obtaining an extended plasma circulation time, which enables systemic administration. The principle of serum albumin-binding as a tool to modulate plasma kinetics of biological drugs is a technology going back to data published in 1991 by company founders, pioneering this principle.

In the study the potential therapeutic product completely prevented tumor formation from xenografts derived from the cell line SKOV-3, representing an aggressive tumor model with high HER2-expression. The radio-labeled Affibody® molecules also showed therapeutic efficacy in a tumor model with modest HER2-expression.

Dr Lars Abrahmsén, Chief Scientific Officer at Affibody AB, commented: "These results confirm that Affibody® molecules armed with a low-energy beta emitter may be therapeutic candidates for targeted treatment of disseminated tumors with HER2 expression. Together with other promising data, this encourages the company to proceed with its development of targeted therapeutics. The in vivo association to serum albumin increases the half-life of the Affibody® molecule, thereby optimizing the amount of drug loaded onto the tumor. The albumin-binding technology should be applicable to any small protein or peptide drug to increase their plasma circulation time."

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