ImmunoGen Submits IND Application for IMGN529

Strategic Insights -

ImmunoGen, Inc. announced the submission of its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for IMGN529, a potential new treatment for B-cell malignancies, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). IMGN529 targets CD37, a protein highly expressed in key NHL subtypes and CLL, and uses a CD37-targeting antibody that was selected for its anticancer properties. The unique design of IMGN529 enables it to kill cancerous B cells using multiple, targeted mechanisms.

Key Takeaways:

  • IMGN529 is a potential new treatment for B-cell malignancies, including NHL and CLL.
  • IMGN529 targets CD37, a protein highly expressed in key NHL subtypes and CLL.
  • The CD37-targeting antibody in IMGN529 was selected for its anticancer properties.
  • IMGN529 uses a non-cleavable SMCC linker to attach the DM1 cancer-cell killing agent to the antibody.
  • The antibody in IMGN529 also has anticancer activities of its own.
  • IMGN529 is expected to be the first compound in the clinic for NHL that provides Rituxan-like antibody activity along with targeted cell-killing using a potent small molecule.
  • The Company's TAP technology uses monoclonal antibodies to deliver one of ImmunoGen's proprietary cancer-cell killing agents specifically to tumor cells.

Statistics:

  • IMGN529 targets CD37, a protein highly expressed in key NHL subtypes and CLL.
  • 75-80% of NHL patients have a high level of CD37 expression, making IMGN529 a promising treatment option for this patient population.
  • The antibody in IMGN529 has demonstrated activity superior to Rituxan against human NHL and CLL cell lines in preclinical testing.

Sources:

  • GlobeNewswire, "ImmunoGen, Inc. Submits IND Application for Lead Product Candidate IMGN529 for Treatment of B-Cell Malignancies"
  • ImmunoGen, Inc. press release, "ImmunoGen Submits IND Application for Lead Product Candidate IMGN529"
  • 1Park P. et al., AACR 2011, abstract #2830
  • 2Deckert J. et al., AACR 2011, abstract #4565
  • 3Mayo M. et al., AACR 2011, abstract #4581