ImmunoGen Announces Start of Trastuzumab-DM1 Phase II Testing

ImmunoGen announced that Genentech has started Phase II clinical testing of trastuzumab-DM1 as a potential treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-expressing metastatic breast cancer.

According to Immunogen, this event triggers a $5 million milestone payment from Genentech.

Trastuzumab-DM1 comprises ImmunoGen’s cell-killing agent, DM1, linked to Genentech’s HER2-targeting antibody, trastuzumab, the companies said.

The Phase II study now underway assesses trastuzumab-DM1 in patients with HER2-expressing metastatic breast cancer that has progressed on treatment with Herceptin (trastuzumab) plus chemotherapy, the companies added.