MORRIS PLAINS, N.J., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Immunomedics, Inc.
(Nasdaq: IMMU) today reported the issuance of U.S. Patent 6,676,924, covering
a specific humanized antibody to carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) that is
attached to a therapeutic agent. The therapeutic is a cytotoxic drug or
isotope, or an immunomodulator. In addition, the patent claims include this
humanized antibody conjugated with a diagnostic, such as an imaging agent.
This patent is an extension of U.S. Patent 5,874,540, which issued to the
Company in 1994.
"CEA is one of the most prevalent cancer markers known and comprises one
of the most frequently tested substances shed from the tumor into the blood in
a variety of cancer patients, such as those with colorectal and breast
cancer," commented Cynthia L. Sullivan, President and Chief Executive Officer
of Immunomedics.
Ms. Sullivan added: "Our Company has been a leader in CEA research and is
testing this humanized antibody, alone (unconjugated) as well as conjugated
with radioisotopes (iodine-131 and yttrium-90) in several Phase I and II
clinical trials involving patients with colorectal, pancreatic and breast
cancer, with encouraging safety and activity observed." "This new patent now
strengthens our intellectual property in the therapeutic and diagnostic areas
involving CEA," remarked Ms. Sullivan.
Immunomedics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development,
manufacture and commercialization of diagnostic imaging and therapeutic
products for the detection and treatment of cancer and other serious diseases.
Integral to these products are highly specific monoclonal antibodies and
antibody fragments designed to deliver radioisotopes and chemotherapeutic
agents to tumors and other sites of disease. Immunomedics has nine
therapeutic product candidates in clinical or near clinical development and
has two marketed diagnostic imaging products. The most advanced therapeutic
product candidates are LymphoCide(R) (epratuzumab), for which certain Phase II
clinical trials for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma have already been
completed, and CEA-Cide(R) (labetuzumab), which is in Phase I/II clinical
trials for the treatment of certain solid tumors.
This release, in addition to historical information, contains forward-
looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. Such statements, including statements regarding clinical trials,
involve significant risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ
materially from those expressed or implied herein. Factors that could cause
such differences include, but are not limited to, risks associated with new
product development (including clinical trials outcome and regulatory
requirements/actions), competitive risks to marketed products and availability
of financing and other sources of capital, as well as the risks discussed in
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year June 30, 2003.
Company Contact: Rebecca A. Kinner, Investor Relations, (973) 605-8200.
Visit the Company's web site at http://www.Immunomedics.com.
SOURCE Immunomedics, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.Immunomedics.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/113121.html
CONTACT:
Rebecca A. Kinner, Investor Relations of
Immunomedics, Inc., +1-973-605-8200
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