Copenhagen, Denmark; December 13, 2006 – Genmab A/S (CSE: GEN) announced today its fully human HuMax-ZP3 antibody program.  Antibodies in the program target ZP3, a protein that is overexpressed on colon, pancreatic and prostate cancers but is not expressed in critical organs such as the brain, heart, liver and lungs. 

HuMax-ZP3 has been selected from a panel of over 70 antibodies, and chosen for its tumor fighting properties and binds effectively to tumor cells expressing the ZP3 protein. HuMax-ZP3 potently exhibits the Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) and Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC) immune system killing mechanisms against ZP3-expressing tumor cells. Furthermore, pre-clinical data from in vivo solid tumor models in SCID mice (mice with deficient immune systems) show impressive anti-tumor effects induced by HuMax-ZP3.

“We are encouraged by the pre-clinical profile of the human anti-ZP3 antibodies and hope that HuMax-ZP3 will be effective against solid tumors in patients,” said Lisa N. Drakeman, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.