HUMAN GENOME, GSK TO DEVELOP NEW CANCER DRUG

Biopharmaceutical company Human Genome Sciences announced that GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has exercised its option to help develop and commercialize a cancer treatment.

The option involves HGS-ETR1, a human monoclonal antibody that binds to certain cancer cells and induces cell death. In a 1996 agreement, GSK was given the option to help the company develop and promote the treatment for 50 percent of the cost and 50 percent of the profit.

Under the agreement, GSK will assist in late-stage and postmarket clinical trials for the treatment. HGS-ETR1 is currently in mid-stage clinical trial for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, the most common form of lung cancer; advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or cancer of the organs that make up the immune system; and advanced colorectal cancer.