Copenhagen, Denmark; December 3 2002 – Genmab A/S (CSE: GEN and FSE: GE9D) announced today its HuMax-TAC antibody program against the Interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R)  target, also known as TAC, for use to treat organ transplant rejection.  Genmab has identified a lead candidate in this program which appears to be superior to at least one antibody product currently on the market when tested in vitro. In these laboratory studies, HuMax-TAC showed superior inhibition of IL-2 binding to the IL-2 receptor and also blocked the proliferation of activated T-cells that express the receptor and play an important role in inflammation. Other potential indications include graft versus host disease, T-Cell leukemia, Hodgkin’s disease, and autoimmune diseases.

About the IL-2 receptor

The Interleukin-2 receptor consists of three chains, of which the alpha chain is unique for this receptor and the beta and gamma chains are shared with other cytokine receptors. Once T-cells are activated they over-express the alpha chain of the IL-2R (the name TAC is derived from activated T-Cell). The IL-2R binds IL-2 (or T- cell growth factor) which is a key regulator of the normal immune system function and acts on T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes and natural killer cells. An antibody that blocks the IL-2 receptor can inhibit T-cell proliferation. Thus, a treatment targeted to the IL-2R has the potential to block a number of T-cell mediated diseases.

“HuMax-TAC expands Genmab’s growing pipeline as part of our efforts to build a solid business with many chances for success,” said Lisa N. Drakeman, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab. “Given our increased focus on partnering products at various stages of development, it is one of the products that the senior management at Genmab has identified as a potential antibody for early out-licensing.”

“The laboratory studies have given promising results concerning the ability of the lead antibody to effectively block T-cell proliferation,” said Prof. Jan van de Winkel, Genmab’s Chief Scientific Officer. “We are very encouraged by the pre-clinical data from this product.”

Help in transplantation

Transplantation is now a relatively standard procedure for patients with diseases such as serious kidney, liver or heart disease. Rejection of transplanted organs can be limited by the use of treatments which inhibit the proliferation of T-lymphocytes. Unfortunately, many of the present treatment regimens involve drugs that have serious side effects. There is thus a growing need for effective biologics that are tolerated better by the patients.