MORRIS PLAINS, N.J., Dec. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Immunomedics, Inc. today announced that the Journal of Clinical Oncology, the official publication of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, published an online article by Garden State Cancer Center and Immunomedics’ scientists on the development and evaluation of a new blood test for pancreatic cancer.
The article, entitled “New MUC1 Serum Immunoassay Differentiates Pancreatic Cancer from Pancreatitis,” is authored by D.V. Gold, et al, and is scheduled to appear in the print form of the journal on January 10, 2006.
The authors reported that this new immunoassay measures the content of MUC1 in serum samples. MUC1 is an antigen recognized by the PAM4 antibody, which is in Phase 1 clinical trials as a radiolabeled antibody for pancreas cancer therapy. Serum samples from 283 patients, including 53 with pancreatic cancer, were examined for the presence of PAM4-reactive MUC1 antigen, and it was found that 41/53 (77%) pancreatic cancer patients were positive, but none of the healthy patients (43) and only four (5%) of 87 patients with pancreatitis were positive. Among patients with other cancer types, colorectal cancers gave the highest percentage of positives (14%, or 5/36). Overall, the sensitivity (true-positive) and specificity (true-negative) rates for the test were 77% and 95%, respectively. The test also differentiated pancreatic cancer from pancreatitis, with a specificity of 95.4%.
“These initial encouraging results now need to be validated in larger trials including patients with other benign diseases, other cancers, and earlier stages of pancreatic cancer,” stated the lead author, Dr. David V. Gold, senior member of the Garden State Cancer Center in Belleville, New Jersey.
Cynthia L. Sullivan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Immunomedics, stated: “Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal forms of cancer. While it is the 10th most common type of cancer, it is the fourth and fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women, respectively, principally because it is diagnosed very late, when the disease is advanced. Therefore, there is a great need for more accurate and earlier diagnostic tests, and we are encouraged with these results.” She added, “It is our plan to expand these studies and eventually license this assay to a partner for commercialization.”
About Immunomedics
Immunomedics is a New Jersey-based biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of monoclonal, antibody-based products for the targeted treatment of cancer, autoimmune and other serious diseases. We have developed a number of advanced proprietary technologies that allow us to create humanized antibodies that can be used either alone in unlabeled or “naked” form, or conjugated with radioactive isotopes, chemotherapeutics or toxins, in each case to create highly targeted agents. Using these technologies, we have built a pipeline of therapeutic product candidates that utilize several different mechanisms of action. Our lead product candidate, epratuzumab, is currently in two pivotal Phase III trials for the treatment of patients with moderate and severe lupus (ALLEVIATE A and B). At present, there is no cure for lupus and no new lupus drug has been approved in the U.S. in the last 40 years. We believe that our portfolio of intellectual property, which includes approximately 90 patents issued in the United States, and more than 250 other issued patents worldwide, protects our product candidates and technologies. Visit our web site at http://www.immunomedics.com.
This release, in addition to historical information, may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements, including statements regarding clinical trials, out-licensing arrangements, and capital raising activities, involve significant risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied herein. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to, risks associated with new product development (including clinical trials outcome and regulatory requirements/actions), competitive risks to marketed products and availability of required financing and other sources of funds on acceptable terms, if at all, as well as the risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is not under any obligation, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For More Information: Dr. Chau Cheng Associate Director, Investor Relations & Business Analysis (973) 605-8200, extension 123 ccheng@immunomedics.com
Immunomedics, Inc.
CONTACT: Dr. Chau Cheng, Associate Director, Investor Relations & BusinessAnalysis of Immunomedics, Inc., +1-973-605-8200, ext. 123,ccheng@immunomedics.com
Web site: http://www.Immunomedics.com/
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