MedImmune Starts RA Trials

MedImmune has begun dosing patients in the first Phase I trial of CAM- 3001, a fully human MAb targeting the alpha subunit of the granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor receptor (GM-CSFR). The study is designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of single doses of CAM-3001 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and represents the first clinical trial in which a MAb targeting GM-CSFR is being investigated in this population. MedImmune currently holds exclusive, worldwide rights to develop and market CAM-3001 under an agreement with CSL Limited.

“Commencing this trial demonstrates that researchers at MedImmune are at the forefront of innovation using monoclonal antibodies and evaluating their potential to serve as new treatment options for patients with chronic, debilitating inflammatory diseases, including RA,” said Ian Anderson, Ph.D., vice president of research – respiratory, inflammation and autoimmunity.

In the trial, patients will receive CAM-3001 at Charite Research Organisation in Berlin, Germany across a range of escalating doses and will be monitored for as long as seven months. Dose escalation will stop if maximum tolerated doses are reached.