Partners to Seek Treatment for High-Risk Neuroblastoma

A consortium of Vienna based biotechnology companies and research foundations have initiated phase III clinical trials of a monoclonal antibody for use in treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma.

The antibody, which is referred to as ch14.18, is the product of Apeiron Biologics AG (Vienna, Austria). The target of the antibody is the disialoganglioside antigen GD2, which is highly expressed on the surface of neuroblastoma cells but not expressed on most normal tissues.

The parties involved recently announced that Apeiron Biologicals would be supporting clinical trials to be held under the auspices of the Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI; Vienna, Austria) and the European Neuroblastoma Research Network (SIOPEN; Vienna, Austria). The agreement cedes to Apeiron the rights to further develop, file for regulatory approval, and market the antibody ch14.18.

The Austrian company Polymun Scientific (Vienna, Austria) a long-time business partner of Apeiron, has been producing clinical supplies of ch14.18 for use in the CCRI/SIOPEN sponsored clinical studies. Apeiron has now commissioned Polymun to continue production and to prepare for manufacture of this material according to international drug-level standards.

Dr. Hans Loibner, CEO of Apeiron, said, "This novel form of collaboration with CCRI and SIOPEN is a milestone for Apeiron. These nonprofit organizations have accomplished remarkable clinical development achievements, which we can now complement with our industrial knowhow. With this collaboration, we add a project to our portfolio that is both innovative and close to the market."

Dr. Ruth Ladenstein, president of SIOPEN, said, "We are convinced to have found an ideal partner in Apeiron for our project. Together, we will take the final steps of development for an urgently needed therapy against high-risk neuroblastoma. By applying immune therapy and other treatment improvements, we hope to increase the chances of survival for children with high-risk neuroblastoma by 30%, thereby rendering future survival rates of 60% - 70% realistic."

Related Links:
Apeiron Biologics AG
Children's Cancer Research Institute
European Neuroblastoma Research Network