Evogenix and University of Massachusetts Medical School Partner to Develop Anti-Cancer Antibody

Australian biotechnology company Evogenix has collaborated with the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) to accelerate the development of the anti-cancer antibody DMF10. This innovative partnership aims to propel DMF10 to human clinical trials, where it will be tested for its efficacy in treating lung cancer and melanoma. According to Evogenix's CEO, Merilyn Sleigh, the potential market for DMF10 is substantial, with a small royalty of future product sales expected.

Key Takeaways:

• Evogenix has partnered with the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) to develop the anti-cancer antibody DMF10.
• DMF10 has shown evidence of activity against lung cancer and melanoma in hamster studies.
• Evogenix will apply its technologies to advance DMF10 to the stage where it can be tested in patients and "humanised" to eliminate rejection and kill cancer.
• The partnership includes an upfront payment, milestone payments, and a small royalty of future product sales.
• Evogenix's scientific advisors have assessed the opportunity as extremely favourable for Evogenix.
• The anti-cancer antibody DMF10 attacks a structure on the cancer cells, not found on normal cells.
• Developed by professor Dr Kenneth Rock, DMF10's inventor, at UMMS.
• Evogenix will spend the next 12 months trying to fast-track the development of the cancer treatment.

Statistics:

• Evogenix's shares closed at 42 cents (US$0.306).
• The upfront payment and milestone payments details are not specified.
• Evogenix was formed five years ago to develop science coming out of the Cooperative Research Centre for Diagnostics and CSIRO Division of Health Sciences and Nutrition.
• The potential market size for DMF10 is substantial.

Sources:

• Hemispheres.com, 'Evogenix and US medical school team-up on cancer drug', April 10, 2005.
• AAP News Wire, 'Sydney drug company signs cancer deal', April 10, 2005.