GAITHERSBURG, Md., April 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MedImmune, Inc. announced today that it has sponsored an American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) fellowship to support the development of biologics- based cancer therapies. The recipient of the $40,000 research fellowship, Robert R. Jenq, M.D., of New York’s Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, was recognized at the AACR’s 97th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, April 4 in Washington, DC.
Dr. Jenq, one of 15 investigators selected by the AACR to receive a grant this year, is a medical oncology fellow in the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s department of medicine. His project evaluates several techniques to enhance T-cell response and recovery following bone marrow transplantation, thereby augmenting tumor-specific immunity and potentially increasing tumor- free survival.
“Supporting the innovative cancer research efforts of promising scientists like Dr. Jenq reflects MedImmune’s ongoing commitment to the development of new cancer treatments,” said Peter Kiener, D.Phil., MedImmune senior vice president, research. “This particular project, which focuses on the development of biologics-based therapies to enhance tumor-specific immunity, represents an area of growing interest and complements MedImmune’s internal discovery and development efforts.”
Dr. Jenq’s work builds on previous preclinical research conducted in murine models of malignant melanoma, suggesting that DNA vaccination may lead to increased T-cell responses and improved tumor-free survival, compared with immunization or transplantation alone. The study will examine whether T-cell recovery and reconstitution may be further enhanced using interleukin-7 and keratinocyte growth factor.
“I’m honored to receive this grant in support of preclinical research that may, if successful, lead to the development of strategies to benefit patients by preventing malignant relapse,” said Dr. Jenq. “Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation is an important treatment option for a variety of malignancies, but malignant relapse continues to limit its efficacy. Our goal is to evaluate rationally combining different techniques to boost anti-tumor immunity following transplantation.”
MedImmune’s sponsorship of an AACR fellowship exemplifies the company’s broader commitment to biologic research. To date, the company has invested more than $2 billion in research funds to develop new and next-generation medicines and to sponsor innovative research aligned with current areas of therapeutic focus or scientific expertise. MedImmune currently has 11 product candidates in its oncology pipeline, six of which are in clinical development.
About MedImmune, Inc.
MedImmune strives to provide better medicines to patients, new medical options for physicians, rewarding careers to employees, and increased value to shareholders. Dedicated to advancing science and medicine to help people live better lives, the company is focused on the areas of infectious diseases, cancer and inflammatory diseases. With more than 2,200 employees worldwide, MedImmune is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Maryland. For more information, visit the company’s website at http://www.medimmune.com.
About AACR
The mission of the American Association for Cancer Research is to prevent and cure cancer. Founded in 1907, AACR is the world’s oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research. The membership includes more than 24,000 basic, translational, and clinical researchers; health care professionals; and cancer survivors and advocates in the United States and more than 60 other countries. AACR marshals the full spectrum of expertise from the cancer community to accelerate progress in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer through high-quality scientific and educational programs. It funds innovative, meritorious research grants. The AACR Annual Meeting attracts over 16,000 participants who share the latest discoveries and developments in the field. Special Conferences throughout the year present novel data across a wide variety of topics in cancer research, treatment, and patient care. AACR publishes five major peer-reviewed journals: Cancer Research; Clinical Cancer Research; Molecular Cancer Therapeutics; Molecular Cancer Research; and Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Its most recent publication, CR, is a magazine for cancer survivors, patient advocates, their families, physicians, and scientists. It provides a forum for sharing essential, evidence-based information and perspectives on progress in cancer research, survivorship, and advocacy.
MedImmune, Inc.
CONTACT: Kate Barrett of MedImmune, Inc., +1-301-398-4320
Web site: http://www.medimmune.com//
