ImClone licenses VEGFR antibody

US biotech ImClone Systems has selected the human therapeutic antibody IMC-3C5, licensed from Circadian Technologies [ASX: CIR] subsidiary Vegenics, as a pre-clinical development candidate.

The antibody, which neutralises the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3), is being investigated as a candidate for oncology indications. ImClone will shortly undertake pre-clinical studies of the candidate.

Scientists from both ImClone, currently being sought for US$6.5 billion by pharma giant Eli Lilly, and Vegenics have already collaborated on research recently published in Nature, showing that VEGFR-3 has a previously unknown role in angiogenesis.

Blocking the receptor was found to have an additive effect in the inhibition of tumour growth in animals by effectively starving the tumour of blood supply.

ImClone has licensed the exclusive rights to develop the antibody, in return for annual fees and royalties on potential future product sales.