By Christopher P. Singer —

In a January 7, 2008 news release, Seattle Genetics, Inc. announced that it will receive a $4 million milestone payment from its collaboration with Genentech, Inc.  This payment arose as a result of Genentech’s initiation of a phase Ib clinical trial of SGN-40 in combination with Rituxan® (rituximab) for patients with relapsed follicular or marginal zone non-Hodgkin lymphoma.  According to Seattle Genetics, preclinical data in several non-Hodgkin lymphoma models indicates that the combination of SGN-40 and Rituxan may have enhanced activity compared to either agent alone.

SGN-40 is a humanized monoclonal antibody that is currently in phase I and phase II clinical trials for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and multiple myeloma under a worldwide collaboration agreement with Genentech.  SGN-40 targets the CD40 antigen, which is expressed on most B lineage hematologic malignancies, as well as solid tumors such as bladder, renal, and ovarian cancer.  Seattle Genetics and Genentech have several other ongoing phase I and II trials relating to SGN-40 alone and in combination with other therapeutics.

According to the press release, Seattle Genetics received an upfront payment of $60 million in February 2007, and is entitled to receive potential milestone payments exceeding $800 million and escalating double-digit royalties starting in the mid-teens on sales of SGN-40, under its collaboration agreement with Genentech.  More information about the Seattle Genetics antibody technology can be found here.