New Antibody Drug

The following is an article about targeted therapy. This is one of several efforts now under way to discover, test, and implement targeted therapy for Multiple Myeloma. I hope I am correct in hoping the cure for many cancers will develop out of this kind of research some of which is being funded by the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. For more, see "MM Research from Emory University" posted below.

Jack
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New Antibody Drug

Australian medical research company Immune System Therapeutics Ltd (IST) has launched a clinical trial to test its breakthrough treatment for blood cancers.

IST has genetically engineered an antibody drug that binds specifically to a target protein found on the surface of some blood cancer cells. Laboratory studies, using cells taken from patients with multiple myeloma, have shown that the antibody works with the human immune system to induce death of the cancer cells. It is anticipated that the antibody will potentially reduce the number of cancerous cells in multiple myeloma patients and improve patient health and well being.

IST has commenced a Phase 1 trial in patients with multiple myeloma and to date six patients have been treated at The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Spencer. Results so far indicate that the antibody has no side effects and final results are expected later this year.

IST's Director of Clinical Development, Dr. Rosanne Dunn, said in order to maintain the recruitment momentum, the Company is seeking to enroll another nine multiple myeloma patients with the kappa form of the disease to be treated over the next few months.

"We are very pleased that the antibody drug is performing as expected with patients suffering no adverse effects. Although this is very rare in cancer treatment it is an indication that the antibody specifically targets cancer cells and not normal cells," she said.

For further information, please contact:
Dr. Rosanne Dunn - +61 2 9514 4060
Alan Liddle - +61 2 9514 7437
Immune System Therapeutics
www.ISTL.com.au