BioWorld International Correspondent

LONDON - Cambridge Antibody Technology Group plc said that Human Genome Sciences Inc. exercised an option for the exclusive development of TRAIL-R2 MAb, discovered by CAT, in the treatment of cancer.

TRAIL-R2 MAb is the third CAT antibody HGS has taken rights to since the companies announced a 10-year collaboration in February 2000 to develop and market antibody therapeutics based on genomics targets discovered by HGS, of Rockville, Md.

Peter Chambre, the newly installed CEO of CAT, told BioWorld International, "This is a very good development. I am delighted at the fruitfulness of the relationship."

The move triggers payment of a license fee to CAT. Over the course of the development, up to registration, CAT, based in Melbourn, UK, could receive between $10 million and $15 million for each antibody that HGS licenses.

TRAIL-R2 MAb recognizes the TRAIL Receptor-2 protein that is found on the surface of a number of cancer cell types. HGS presented data at the American Association for Cancer Research meeting in April showing the antibody has antitumor activity in animal models. TRAIL Receptor-2 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor family of receptors, and has the ability to cause tumor cell death when triggered by the natural ligand TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand).

The other two CAT antibodies HGS has licensed are TRAIL-R1 MAb, a cancer therapeutic that targets the TRAIL Receptor-1, and LymphoStat-B, targeted at the B-lymphocyte stimulator, for treating lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. TRAIL-R1 MAb has received approval to enter clinical trials, while LymphoStat-B is in Phase I.

Chambre, formerly at Celera Genomics Group, replaced the founding CEO of CAT, David Chiswell, in April. Chambre said he is impressed by the excellent science and superb technology platform of the company, and now needs to concentrate on expanding the portfolio and taking products further up the development chain to add value.

"The company has a strong history of collaboration, and we will continue to need to work with partners because we have a very broadly applicable platform, but the focus will be on strengthening the pipeline," he said.