ABX-CBL (Abgenix Inc)

Abgenix has acquired rights to ABX-CBL, an antibody in phase II trials for the potential treatment of graft versus host disease (GvHD). The antibody, previously known as CBL-1 was discovered by the CV Cancer Center. Abgenix planned to continue phase II trials in GvHD in 1998 after completing a confirmatory clinical study required by a manufacturing process change. ABX-CBL will also be evaluated in kidney and other organ transplant rejection indications. In January 1998, Abgenix announced that it had commenced a phase II trial of the antibody at eight clinical centers to confirm the results of previous phase II trials. The study will involve 48 patients. Results of the trial were expected by the third quarter of 1998. However, by December 1998 they had not been reported. ABX-CBL could also potentially be used to treat inflammation and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. In a clinical trial, ABX-CBL was administered to ten patients with acute steroid-resistant GvHD. The overall response rate was 90%, with GvHD completely resolved in five patients and improved by at least two grades in four others. The antibody was well-tolerated and did not exacerbate post-transplant immunodeficiency. In another study involving 43 patients who developed GvHD after kidney transplant, ABX-CBL was effective in reversing the first rejection and preventing recurrence of rejection. It was shown to be well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported.