GTC Biotherapeutics and LFB Biotechnologies Developing CD20 Antibody

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. & PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GTC Biotherapeutics, Inc. ("GTC", Nasdaq: GTCB) and LFB Biotechnologies, a wholly owned subsidiary of LFB S.A. (Laboratoire francais du Fractionnement et des Biotechnologies S.A.), announced today that they have initiated development of a transgenically produced CD20 monoclonal antibody under the existing agreement between GTC and LFB Biotechnologies. The resulting product is expected to have target specificity similar to Rituximab (Rituxan®, Mabthera®) and to have relatively higher antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, or ADCC. The existing relevant CD20 antibody patents will expire by 2014. The transgenically produced CD20 antibody is anticipated to be commercially developed for oncology and auto-immune indications. Rituximab is used in the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, B-cell leukemia and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also under investigation for a range of auto-immune conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), and type-1 diabetes. Rituximab had worldwide sales of nearly $4 billion in 2006 and is projected to have a $5 billion market by 2010.