Preclinical development
Our partner, Pfizer, is advancing the 5T4-targeted antibody therapy toward the clinic. Preclinical evaluation is ongoing to optimise the product for clinical development, and Pfizer may submit an IND application during 2011.
Pfizer collaboration
Oxford BioMedica licensed the rights to develop and commercialise antibodies targeting the 5T4 tumour antigen for use in the treatment of cancer to Wyeth in January 2001. The agreement is potentially worth US$24million plus royalties on product sales, and the next milestone payment is triggered by the start of clinical trials. Following Pfizer's acquisition of Wyeth in 2009 and subsequent portfolio review, Pfizer has indicated its continuing commitment to the collaboration.
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Market opportunity
The concept of an anti-cancer therapy, which has antibody-like specificity as well as chemotherapy-like potency, is clearly attractive. The 5T4-targeted antibody linked to calicheamicin has the potential to benefit patients with any solid cancer that expresses the 5T4 tumour antigen, which represents a multi-billion US dollar market. Based on the product’s profile, it could have application as a single agent or could be used in combination with other treatments, including therapeutic vaccines, such as TroVax.
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