Baxter International shows commitment to advanced biological research and development

Baxter International has shown its commitment to advanced biological research and development as it starts a Phase I clinical trial of a monoclonal antibody which has the potential to be a new therapeutic agent in treatment of cancer.

The US health care company recently announced that it is to begin dosing patients with malignant solid tumours in a Phase I clinical trial of a monoclonal antibody, which many spectators have interpreted as a positive sign of the company's commitment to extending its oncology portfolio.

It is hoped that the treatment could lead to new therapeutic solutions for cancer, using a candidate that is fully-human, recombinant anti-MIF (anti-macrophage migration inhibitory factor) monoclonal antibody. These monoclonal antibodies differ from other forms because they target a specific antigen in the body, rather than traditional, systemic regimens.

The target for the anti-MIF antibody is the MIF protein, which is a protein that induces inflammatory responses in the body and that has also been shown to influence the growth and spread of tumours. It is hoped that by inhibiting the cancer-promoting effects of this protein, the newly engineered antibody may be capable of of restricting the growth of tumours.

Ludwig Hantson, president of Baxter's BioScience business, said: ''This research program leverages Baxter's scientific expertise in systemic oncology therapies and leadership in biologics, and further reinforces our commitment of supporting patients with life-threatening conditions."

Phase I studies are designed to assess the safety, tolerability and optimal dose of antibody treatments. In this case, the treatment will be given to 44 adult patients with malignant solid tumours. The trial has been designed to allow for expedited accrual of patients and evaluation of safety and potential therapeutic activity in patients with varied solid tumour types.

Researchers will also be investigating pharmacokinetics (how the body absorbs and distributes the compound) and changes in levels of markers that indicate anti-tumour activity during the study.

Posted by Ben Evans