LES ULIS, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The recombinant anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody produced by LFB Biotechnologies received orphan drug status for the treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). This approval from the FDA Office of Orphan Products Development was granted on August 6th, 2010.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the most common form of leukemia in the United States. It is estimated that 108,437 persons in the USA are living with or are in remission from CLL. Though its cause remains unknown, it is characterized by the proliferation of B lymphocytes that migrate into the lymph nodes, spleen and liver and invade the bone marrow and blood. This can lead to anemia and/or thrombocytopenia (drop in platelet count) and induces an immunocompromised state in patients, thus increasing the risk of severe infections. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is rare in patients under 55 years (only 11%) and incidence rises rapidly with age above 55 years. The median age at diagnosis is 72 years. Median survival is about 10 years but varies from less than 3 years to a normal life expectancy depending on prognostic factors.
At present, there is no true curative approach in the vast majority of patients with CLL.
About LFB’s anti-CD20
LFB's anti-CD20 antibody (LFB-R603) is a chimeric recombinant monoclonal antibody directed towards the CD20 antigen expressed on the surface of B cells. The specific glycosylation profile of LFB-R603 gives it powerful ADCC (antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity) activity directed against the tumor cells carrying this antigen. This exceptional high cytotoxicity has been demonstrated in non clinical studies performed in vitro and in vivo experimental models. LFB-R603 could be more effective than the reference anti-CD20 antibody, and thus constitute a major breakthrough in the treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. LFB-R603 is currently under study in a phase I/II clinical trial in Europe for this indication. LFB’s recombinant anti-CD20 received orphan drug status for the treatment of CLL in Europe in October 2009.
About LFB
LFB is a French biopharmaceutical group that develops, manufactures and commercializes medicinal products for the treatment of serious and often rare diseases in the following main therapeutic fields:Immunology, Hemostasis and Intensive Care. The LFB group is the number one manufacturer of plasma-derived medicinal products in France and 6th worldwide and via its subsidiary: LFB Biotechnologies; LFB is also among the leading European companies in the development of monoclonal antibodies and new-generation proteins based on biotechnologies. In 2009, LFB devoted 76 million Euros to research and development, 20% of its total turnover of 376 million Euros. The LFB Group is directed by Christian Béchon and has 1700 employees.
For more information about LFB: http://www.lfb.fr/
CONTACT:
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LFB
Sandrine Charrières
Communications Director
Tel : 33 (0) 1 69 82 72 80
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Financial Dynamics
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KEYWORDS: United States Europe North America France
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Health Biotechnology Clinical Trials Hospitals Pharmaceutical FDA
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