Genmab says preclinical studies show ofatumumab can be better than rituximab

COPENHAGEN (Thomson Financial) - Genmab AS said a preclinical study indicates that its ofatumumab (HuMax-CD20) appears to be more effective at inducing complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), an immune system killing mechanism, than rituximab.

Direct comparisons of ofatumumab and rituximab revealed ofatumumab to induce much more rapid and profound CDC and far more impressive cell changes than rituximab, the company said.

This, furthermore, leads to more effective killing of target cells by ofatumumab.

Genmab CEO Lisa N Drakeman said the study 'supports the growing body of preclinical research that suggests ofatumumab may be more effective in eliminating target cells and treating diseases such as lymphoid cancers and rheumatoid arthritis than existing therapies.'

The data will be presented at the XIth European Meeting on Complement in Human Disease in Cardiff on September 9, 2007. [e-mail] mdl/bsd COPYRIGHT Copyright AFX News Limited 2007. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News.