Alliance for Molecular Bladder Cancer Detection

An agreement to sublicense exclusive worldwide diagnostic rights to develop and commercialize an immunohistochemistry test to detect the presence of the CD52 antigen in lymph nodes has been announced by Ilex Oncology, Inc. (San Antonio, TX, USA). The licensee is Ventana Medical Systems (Tucson, AZ, USA). The agreement is intended to aid the rapid commercialization of Ilex's cancer drug.

"A standardized test will accelerate the routine screening of the CD52 antigen, which, according to recent findings, appears to be associated with several types of cancer, including lymphomas, in addition to B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL). It will also serve as a valuable tool enabling Ilex clinicians to pinpoint cancers in which Campath may play a key therapeutic role.”

Campath (alemtuzumab) is used for the treatment of patients with B-CLL who have been treated with alkylating agents and failed fludarabine therapy. The drug works by targeting the CD52 antigen, resulting in the removal of malignant lymphocytes from the blood, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and other affected organs. Campath is the product of Ilex. Recently, Ilex acquired exclusive commercial rights to CD52 antigen testing from BTG International Limited.





Related Links:
Ilex
Ventana