RECEPTA biopharma is carrying out research and development activities on new monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for cancer treatment. RECEPTA biopharma's current portfolio consists of four promising mAbs that can be directed towards the treatment of different tumor types and were the result of research conducted by scientists at the international Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR). The intellectual property rights, exclusive and worldwide, concerning these antibodies were licensed to RECEPTA biopharma by LICR. RECEPTA biopharma is also conducting research at different stages of development to generate other mAbs for potential use in the treatment of cancer.
1) Monoclonal antibody hu3S193 - Anti-LeY
This humanized monoclonal antibody recognizes the Y antigen (LeY) of the Lewis blood group. Expression of LeY is elevated in tumor tissue, especially in epithelial carcinomas, compared to normal tissue. This antigen (LeY) is considered a tumor-specific target with important diagnostic and therapeutic implications. LICR researchers have already conducted immunohistochemical analyses, pre-clinical studies and Phase I clinical trials with hu3S193, and their results justify the continuation of clinical trials to determine its therapeutic efficiency. RECEPTA biopharma will soon conduct Phase II clinical trials on patients with ovarian tumors. Clinical trials for prostate and colon cancers are also being planned.
2) Monoclonal antibody 58-1066 - Anti-LeB
This monoclonal antibody recognizes the B antigen (LeB) of the Lewis blood group. Similar to LeY expression patterns, LeB expression is increased in various types of carcinomas, such as those of the liver, urinary bladder, endometrium and thyroid. Notably, elevated expression of LeB is correlated with less favorable prognosis in colon, breast and lung cancers, indicating potential for therapeutic benefit in a variety of different cancers.
3) Monoclonal antibody MX35
The monoclonal antibody MX35 has high affinity and specificity for an antigen that is highly expressed in ovarian tumors. This monoclonal antibody is also capable of detecting micro-metastases from ovarian tumors deposited in the peritoneal cavity, indicating a tremendous therapeutic potential for this type of cancer. RECEPTA biopharma will conduct immunohistochemistry and pre-clinical tests that, if successful, will allow for the start of Phase I clinical trials using the humanized antibody MX35, which will be produced on a pilot scale. Given the importance of MX35's target antigen in the metabolism of the tumor cell, RECEPTA biopharma has initiated a project to generate new antibodies that identify different epitopes of this antigen.
4) Monoclonal antibody A34 (209-342)
This antibody recognizes the antigen A34, a glycoprotein belonging to the JAM family (junctional adhesion molecule). A34 is considered to be a new and promising target for immunotherapy against cancer. Its expression is particularly high in gastric and esophageal adenocarcinomas. A broad evaluation of A34's expression patterns in various types of cancer is being conducted to define the therapeutic focus.