New Biotech Survey: 'Age of Antibodies' Has Begun

More than 260 companies worldwide are developing monoclonal antibodies for use as human therapeutic or in vivo diagnostic products, says a recently released industry survey by Medarex, Inc. The survey identifies approximately 700 antibodies currently in development or on the market for virtually every life threatening disease or debilitating condition.

The survey found that more than a third of the antibodies in development are directed against cancer. Autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, transplant rejection and heart disease were among the other major categories targeted for antibody treatment. Medarex, a biopharmaceutical company developing antibody-based therapeutics, commissioned the study, and the Institute for Biotechnology Information conducted the research.

"The global exploration of antibody therapies presents significant partnership opportunities for Medarex's HuMAb-Mouse technology, which can rapidly generate fully human antibodies for clinical development," said Donald L. Drakeman, president and CEO. "The biotechnology industry is entering the Age of Antibodies."

Medarex's HuMAb-Mouse technology produces high affinity fully human antibodies to a target antigen in about three to six months. Through its GenPharm subsidiary, Medarex has launched a business creating and developing human antibodies for itself and others. Currently, Medarex reports five ongoing partnerships for its HuMAb-Mouse technology.

For more information: Medarex, Inc., 1545 Route 22 East, P.O. Box 953, Annandale, NJ 08801-0953. Tel: 908-713-6001; Fax: 908-713-6002.

Edited by Beth Brindle