Seattle Genetics, Inc. Initiates Two Phase I Trials of SGN-CD19A

BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGEN) today announced the initiation of two phase I clinical trials of SGN-CD19A, one for patients with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and one for patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. SGN-CD19A utilizes Seattle Genetics’ industry-leading antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) technology. The trials are designed to assess the safety and antitumor activity of SGN-CD19A, an ADC targeted to CD19. “CD19 is expressed in a variety of hematologic malignancies, including non-Hodgkin lymphoma and ALL, and has limited expression on normal tissues making it an ideal ADC target. Our preclinical data indicate that SGN-CD19A internalizes rapidly into tumor cells, resulting in targeted cell killing,” said Jonathan Drachman, M.D., Senior Vice President, Research and Translational Medicine at Seattle Genetics. “Our SGN-CD19A clinical development program comprises two trials that, together, will provide a robust understanding of the activity and tolerability of this ADC in patients with aggressive CD19-positive lymphomas or ALL. In addition to the five ADCs already in ongoing clinical trials, we plan to advance two additional ADC programs into the clinic during 2013, underscoring our leadership in the field.”