BOTHELL — Seattle Genetics is studying whether combining one of its engineered antibodies with a cancer drug could help patients with a condition that attacks the body’s bone marrow.
The Bothell-based biotechnology firm said Thursday it has begun a phase 1 clinical trial to test the safety and effectiveness of SGN-33 when it is taken with the cancer drug Revlimid to treat myelodysplastic syndromes, which disrupt bone marrow’s production of blood cells.
The trial is being conducted in concert with Celgene Corp., the maker of Revlimid.
SGN-33 works by targeting the CD33 antigen, which is expressed in a number of blood-related cancers.
The drug candidate already is in phase 2 tests as a treatment for acute myeloid leukemia and has received “orphan drug” status from the Food and Drug Administration for that use. That status, designed to encourage new drugs for relatively rare diseases, offers potential government funding and tax credits, as well as protection from competition.
It makes sense to test the drug against myelodysplastic syndromes, because it is related to the leukemia already being targeted by Seattle Genetics, said Thomas Reynolds, the biotech’s chief medical officer.
“Patients with intermediate and high-risk MDS typically have a poor prognosis and their disease often transforms into acute myeloid leukemia, underscoring the need for a well-tolerated treatment option that can extend overall survival,” Reynolds said in Thursday’s announcement.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 new cases of MDS are diagnosed annually in the United States. The syndromes disrupt bone marrow function, usually decreasing the number of red and white blood cells and or platelets.
About 30 percent of patients with the syndromes eventually develop leukemia. Because of that, MDS also is sometimes called “smoldering leukemia” or “preleukemia.”
SGN-33 is one of three drugs Seattle Genetics has in human-testing trials. The company’s most advanced drug candidate is SGN-40, which is being developed with Genentech to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
Seattle Genetics’ shares rose 26 cents, or 3 percent, Thursday to close at $8.96.
Reporter Eric Fetters: 425-339-3453 or fetters@heraldnet.com.
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