SEATTLE GENETICS EXPANDS SGN-40 PROGRAM INTO CLL

Seattle Genetics has initiated a Phase I/II clinical trial of SGN-40 in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This is the company's third clinical indication for SGN-40, a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the CD40 antigen.

The single-agent study will evaluate the tolerability, pharmacokinetic profile and antitumor activity of a multi-dose regimen of SGN-40 in relapsed or refractory CLL patients. The study design allows rapid transition from the Phase I dose-escalation portion into a Phase II trial. Seattle Genetics plans to enroll approximately 60 patients in the study at multiple cancer centers in the U.S.