Metelimumab Explained

Metelimumab (CAT-192) is a human IgG4 monoclonal antibody that neutralizes TGF beta 1 which had been chosen for further development for the treatment of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma.^[1] It was dropped from further development in favour of fresolimumab,^[2] which was being developed by Genzyme as of 2006.^[3]

History

Metelimumab was isolated by Cambridge Antibody Technology (CAT) using its phage display technology. In 2000, CAT signed a collaborative deal with Genzyme to further develop TGF beta antibodies.^[4] ^[5]

In 2004, CAT and Genzyme revealed that Phase I/II trials of metelimumab for scleroderma showed this antibody to be safe and well tolerated across all dose levels, although no conclusions regarding efficacy of the compound could be made.^[6]

Initial trials targeted the skin condition scleroderma but, after some unsuccessful clinical trial results, the product was dropped in favour of fresolimumab,^[2] which was being developed by Genzyme as of 2006.^[3]

Notes and References

Sorbera LA . Metelimumab: Agent for scleroderma prop inn human anti-TGF-β1 monoclonal antibody. . Drugs of the Future . 2004 . 29 . 11 . 1081–3 . 10.1358/dof.2004.029.11.860002 .
Foley S . 10 February 2004 . CAT may abandon skin drug after trial results disappoint .
Web site: Tasidotin . Genzyme . 2006 . 2009-07-27 . https://web.archive.org/web/20060902075705/http://www.genzymeoncology.com/onc/research/onc_p_research.asp . 2006-09-02 . dead .
Web site: Genzyme General and Cambridge Antibody Technology To Collaborate on Development of Human Anti-TGF-beta Monoclonal Antibodies. https://web.archive.org/web/20110715114217/http://prnwire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/09-28-2000/0001324438&EDATE= . 15 July 2011 . PR News Wire .
Web site: Cambridge Antibody, Genzyme to collaborate on human anti-TGFBeta monoclonals . 2 October 2000 . Drug Discovery Online .
Web site: CAT-192 is safe but efficacy in doubt . The Pharma Letter . 16 February 2002 .