ALD518
Encyclopedia
BMS-945429 is an aglycosylated, humanized monoclonal antibody against interleukin-6. It is an investigational drug for cancer and rheumatoid arthritis
due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
The relatively long half-life of about 30 days should allow less frequent and subcutaneous injections.
It is made using yeast
cells rather than the standard Chinese hamster ovary cell
s.
.
A phase II trial for advanced cancer is due to end in Oct 2009. Results due June 2010. Results from 124 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were favourable (e.g. 1/10 the weight loss).
It may be trialled in a dual therapy with Tarceva owing to a likely synergy.
has completed with promising results leading to a licencing deal allowing phase III trials. The results are to be presented in June 2010 at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) meeting in Rome.
Results showed that ALD518 in addition to MTX
performs markedly better
than MTX + placebo with a maximum ACR score, (ACR70
, i.e. >70% of joints improved), after 16 weeks .
June 2011 : Due to start Phase 2b clinical trial in rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks synovial joints. The process produces an inflammatory response of the synovium secondary to hyperplasia of synovial cells, excess synovial fluid, and the development...
due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
The relatively long half-life of about 30 days should allow less frequent and subcutaneous injections.
It is made using yeast
Yeast
Yeasts are eukaryotic micro-organisms classified in the kingdom Fungi, with 1,500 species currently described estimated to be only 1% of all fungal species. Most reproduce asexually by mitosis, and many do so by an asymmetric division process called budding...
cells rather than the standard Chinese hamster ovary cell
Chinese Hamster Ovary cell
Chinese hamster ovary cells are a cell line derived from the ovary of the Chinese hamster. They are often used in biological and medical research and commercially in the production of therapeutic proteins. They were introduced in the 1960s and grow as a cultured monolayer...
s.
Cancer
A phase I clinical trial showed ALD518 was well tolerated and could reverse fatigue in cancer patientsCancer-related fatigue
Cancer-related fatigue is a subjective symptom of fatigue that is experienced by nearly all cancer patients.Among patients receiving cancer treatment other than surgery, it is essentially universal. Fatigue is a normal and expected side effect from most forms of chemotherapy, radiation therapy,...
.
A phase II trial for advanced cancer is due to end in Oct 2009. Results due June 2010. Results from 124 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were favourable (e.g. 1/10 the weight loss).
It may be trialled in a dual therapy with Tarceva owing to a likely synergy.
Rheumatoid arthritis
The Phase IIa trial for rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks synovial joints. The process produces an inflammatory response of the synovium secondary to hyperplasia of synovial cells, excess synovial fluid, and the development...
has completed with promising results leading to a licencing deal allowing phase III trials. The results are to be presented in June 2010 at the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) meeting in Rome.
Results showed that ALD518 in addition to MTX
Methotrexate
Methotrexate , abbreviated MTX and formerly known as amethopterin, is an antimetabolite and antifolate drug. It is used in treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, ectopic pregnancy, and for the induction of medical abortions. It acts by inhibiting the metabolism of folic acid. Methotrexate...
performs markedly better
than MTX + placebo with a maximum ACR score, (ACR70
ACR score for rheumatoid arthritis
ACR score is a scale to measure change in rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. It is named after the American College of Rheumatology.Different degrees of improvement are referred to as ACR20, ACR50, ACR70...
, i.e. >70% of joints improved), after 16 weeks .
June 2011 : Due to start Phase 2b clinical trial in rheumatoid arthritis.
See also
- TocilizumabTocilizumabTocilizumab is an immunosuppressive drug, mainly for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a severe form of RA in children. It is a humanized monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 receptor...
(Actemra) an anti-IL-6 receptor mAb - Anti-IL-6Anti-IL-6Anti-interleukin-6 agents are a recent class of therapeutics.Interleukin-6 is relevant to many inflammatory diseases and many cancers. Hence anti-IL-6 agents have been sought....
, other anti-interleukin-6 agents