Pharmanovia Secures Exclusive Rights for Innovative Antibody

The exclusive license agreement permits Pharmanovia to launch catumaxomab, a unique trifunctional bi-specific monoclonal antibody, for intraperitoneal treatment of malignant ascites in EpCAM-positive carcinoma patients ineligible for additional systemic anticancer therapy. Malignant ascites is an unnatural buildup of fluid in the peritoneal cavity which often occurs in late-stage cancers.

Pharmanovia, a worldwide pharmaceutical company that brings new drugs to market and improves existing drugs, has revealed today that they are adding catumaxomab to their oncology lineup through a new licensing deal for the treatment of malignant ascites.

Dr Stephen Deacon, Chief Scientific Officer explains: “What is exciting about catumaxomab is that it has a novel targeted approach. This bispecific (anti-EpCAM x anti-CD3) trifunctional antibody combines the characteristics of classical monoclonal antibodies and bispecific molecules2. It binds directly to the tumour cells expressing EpCAM and then enhances the activation of the patient’s own immune system resulting in the killing of tumour cells.”

Pharmanovia CEO, Dr. James Burt commented; “Our mission is to bring innovative and improved medicines to patients who need them, and this deal is the epitome of this. We have a first-in-class medicine, that can play a critical role in cancer supportive care that has previously been approved but is no longer available. We’re looking to change that through this partnership with Lindis Biotech, reintroducing catumaxomab to the market, subject to full regulatory approval. We’re excited to put our strong capabilities in New Chemical Entities (NCEs) to bring this important medicine to patients.”